Investigation of Ion and Water Transport in Block and Random poly(vinyl benzyl trimethylamine), poly(methylbutyline) Copolymers

Fuel cells show promise as alternatives to current transportation technology and portable energy devices as focus shifts towards more a sustainable energy economy. Alkali anion exchange membrane (AEM) fuel cells address current shortfalls of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, with the potential for direct use of methanol fuel and use of non-precious metal catalysts. Anion exchange membranes with properties that meet the demands of alkali fuel cell applications are not currently commercially available. In this work, the effect of ion exchange membrane morphology on electrochemical performance and mechanical stability is investigated in hydrocarbon copolymers. PVBTMA-b-PMB polymers were synthesized with varied hydrophilic block lengths in order to induce varied morphologies. PVBTMA-ran-PMB polymers were also synthesized to probe the effect of copolymer organization on morphology and membrane performance. The organization and uptake of water within the membrane is also investigated.