Ordered structures in proton conducting membranes from supramolecular liquid crystal polymers

Highly sulfonated forms of poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA) have been prepared in three different molecular configurations; sulfonated diamine form (S-PPTA), sulfonated terephthalic acid form (S-invert-PPTA), and the bi-sulfonated form (S2-PPTA). All three polymers are water soluble to a certain degree and films were cast from solution for S-PPTA and S-invert-PPTA. S-PPTA films absorb less water than S-invert-PPTA (under controlled humidity conditions) and consequently, the conductivity for this polymer is also slightly lower. Although the conductivities are comparable to Nafion (of the order of 10(-2) to 10(-1) Scm(-1)), proton mobility is more restricted. X-ray diffraction showed that the rigid molecules are aligned in opposite directions for the two polymer films, being homeotropic in S-PPTA films and planar for S-invert-PPTA. SEM analysis demonstrated layering in the same direction as the alignment of the polymer chains. The variation in the polymer alignment is most likely the result of the differences in the solution properties and the film forming process. It is possible, however, that this alignment could be exploited to enhance proton transport and thus these films are of interest for fuel cell membranes.