Sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone ketone) multiblock copolymers with highly sulfonated block. Synthesis and properties

Poly(arylene ether sulfone ketone) (SPESK) multiblock copolymer membranes having highly sulfonated hydrophilic blocks were synthesized. The degree of polymerization of hydrophobic blocks (X) was controlled to be 15, 30, and 60 and that of hydrophilic blocks (Y) to be 4, 8, 12, and 16. Morphological observation by scanning transmission microscopy (STEM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) showed that high local concentration of sulfonic acid groups within the hydrophilic blocks enhanced phase separation between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks. Rodlike hydrophilic aggregates were found to be interconnected very well, which resulted in high proton conductivity even at low relative humidity (RH). The ionomer membrane with X30 Y8 and 1.86 mequiv/g of ion exchange capacity (IEC) showed 0.03 S/cm at 80 °C and 40% RH, which was a comparable or higher proton conductivity than that of the state-of-the-art perfluorinated ionomer (Nafion) membrane. The longer blocks induced higher proton conductivity; however, excessively long block length offset mechanical properties. Low hydrogen and oxygen permeability was also observed.