Alkali metal ion conductors based on sulfonated poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide)

To obtain thermally stable and mechanically strong sodium and lithium conducting polymers, we prepared Na⁺ and Li⁺ poly(phenylene terephthalamide sulfonate salts) (MW ～ 5500). We also synthesized oligo(ethylene oxide) (3, 5, or 7 units of ethylene oxide) substituted ethylene carbonate and poly[oxymethylene-oligo(oxyethylene)]. These are high boiling point liquids with high dielectric constants as well as metal chelating properties. Polyelectrolyte systems were prepared by mixing Na⁺ or Li⁺ poly(phenylene terephthalamide sulfonate) salts with various amounts of modified ethylene carbonate and/or poly[oxymethylene-oligo(oxyethylene)]. Films (0.1–0.5 mm thick) obtained from the blends were found to have considerable mechanical strength; forming free standing films. The ionic conductivities of the Na⁺ and Li⁺ polyelectrolyte systems were 10^?6?10^?5 S/cm at 25°C. Thermal properties of these blend systems were investigated in detail. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.