Synthesis and characterization of perfluoro quaternary ammonium anion exchange membranes

In this study, new alkaline exchange membranes were prepared from the perfluorinated 3M ionomer with various quaternary ammonium cations attached with sulfonamide linkage. The degree of functionalization varied depending on the cation species, resulting in different ion exchange capacities (IECs), 0.33–0.72 meq g⁻¹. There was evidence of polymer degradation when the films were exposed to hydroxide, and hence all membrane characterization was performed in the chloride form. Conductivity was dependent on cation species and IEC, E_a = 36–59 kJ mol⁻¹. Diffusion of water through the membrane was relatively high 1.6 × 10⁻⁵ cm² s⁻¹ and indicated restriction over a range of diffusion times, 6–700 ms. Water uptake (WU) in the membranes was generally low and the hydration level varied based on cation species, λ = 6–11. Small-angle scattering experiments suggested ionic aggregation, 37–42 Å, independent of cation species but slight differences in long-range order with cation species. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 1761–1769, 2013