Optimization of anionic conductivity through the coexistence of ionomer cluster and backbone-backbone morphologies in anion exchange membranes
Random copolymers of poly(4-vinylpyridine) and polyisoprene were synthesized, and subsequently quaternized with 1-alkylbromides. The number of carbons on the pendant side-chain of the resultant comb-shaped polymer, n, ranged from 2-8. The comb-shaped polymers were crosslinked employing thiol-ene chemistry to give mechanically robust ion conducting membranes. Analysis by wide and medium-angle X-ray scattering show three morphology regimes that are dependent on the number of carbons on the pendant side-chains. When n = 2, ionomer cluster morphology was dominant, when n = 8 backbone-backbone morphology was dominant, and when n = 3-6, the membrane showed a coexistence of both ionomer cluster and backbone-backbone morphologies. Evaluation of the water uptake of the membranes showed a maximum water uptake per cation of 9.5 when n = 5 at 95% relative humidity (RH) and 60 degrees C. Finally, conductivity of the samples characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed bromide conductivity as high as 110 mS/cm when n = 3 at 95% RH and 90 degrees C.