Publication Date
2013
Document Type
Thesis
Committee Members
William Feld (Committee Member), Eric Fossum (Advisor), Kenneth Turnbull (Committee Member)
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Abstract
A series of hydroquinone-based poly(arylene ether) copolymers, with truly pendent sulfonated phenyl sulfonyl groups and either benzothiazole or benzoxazole groups was synthesized for use as proton exchange membranes (PEM). Two homopolymers series, benzothiazole and benzoxazole based, were prepared via meta activated nucleophilic aromatic substitution polycondensation reactions. Two copolymer series of N-heterocyclic and sulfonated phenyl sulfonyl groups were synthesized via a similar method. The ratio of 3,5-difluoro-3'-sulfonated diphenylsulfone to 2-[3,5-bis-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)]benzothiazole or 2-[3,5-bis-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)]benzoxaole was varied to afford ion-exchange capacities ranging from 0.60 to 1.39 meq and 0.62 to 1.42 meq, respectively. Polymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), 13C NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The copolymers displayed low water uptake values, moderate glass transition temperatures (>175°C), and excellent thermal stability in excess of 285°C These materials are promising candidates for use as proton exchange membranes under low relative humidity conditions.
Page Count
83
Department or Program
Department of Chemistry
Year Degree Awarded
2013
Copyright
Copyright 2013, all rights reserved. This open access ETD is published by Wright State University and OhioLINK.
