Acrylic copolymer membranes with proton conductivity

This work presents the results of a study of acrylic copolymer films from aqueous and nonaqueous media. Films prepared from aqueous emulsions possess good physico-mechanical properties, are optically transparent, and are chemically resistant to concentrated solutions of acids and bases. They may also be safely heated to a temperature of 333 K. Charge transport occurs through ion exchange, and film conductivity is 1 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at 298 K and 50% humidity. Acrylic copolymer films prepared from nonaqueous media (toluene, benzene, isopropyl acetate) exhibit a conductivity of 5 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at 298 K and 50% humidity, and modifying agents can be added to increase conductivity to 5 × 10⁻² S cm⁻¹.