7.3: Rapid Screening of New Precise Copolymers: Morphology and Ionic Conductivity
Abstract
Major Goals: The primary goals fo this project is to rapidly screen new polymers to identify polymers and morphologies with significantly improved ionic conductivity. The secondary objective is to advance the fundamental understanding of ion conduction mechanisms in polymers. Our work has focused on three sets of polymers: precise polyethylenes synthesized by ADMET, commercial pentablock copolymers with a poly(sulfonated styrene) midblock, and polymerized ionic liquids containing cyclopropenium. We have also explored a nearly precise acid-containing polymer. Accomplishments: The most significant outcome of this project is our Nature Materials paper that demonstrates how the novel morphologies that we have revealed in the precise polyethylenes can provide excellent transport properties. Specifically, a polyethylene with a sulfonic acid on every 21st carbon self assembles into acid layer that swell when exposed to relative humidity. The proton conductivity of these materials is comparable to Nafion at 40 deg C and relative humidities above 60%. This demonstrates our previously hypothesized transport mechanism through the precise polyethylenes. Moreover, these design concepts can be applied to a wider set of materials. Since publication in May 2018, this paper has already been cited 29 times.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 14, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1092217
Entities
People
- Karen I Winey
Organizations
- University of Pennsylvania