Polynorbornene-based ion exchange membranes derived from phosphonated polymer and methods of making same

Abstract

A proton exchange polymer comprises a polynorbornene copolymer with hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks that can be phosphonated to produce phosphonic acid functional groups for proton exchange. Also, the polymer may be crosslinked to form quaternary ammonium groups on the side chains. The polynorbornene copolymer may be acid doped to ionically bond phosphonic acids to the quaternary ammonium groups that may for ion pairs for proton exchange. The proton exchange polymer has high temperature stability with the phosphonic acid functional group and can be mechanically durable with cross linking. Proton exchange membranes may utilize the proton exchange membrane in fuel cell and electrolyzer applications.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.