Sulfonated Polybenzophenone/Poly(arylene ether) Block Copolymer Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications

Sulfonated polybenzophenone/poly(arylene ether) block copolymers were designed and synthesized via Ni-mediated coupling polymerization. The block copolymers were obtained as high-molecular-weight (Mn = 70-110 kDa, Mw = 150-230 kDa) with low polydispersity index (Mw/Mn = 2.0-2.3). The block copolymer membranes showed well-developed hydrophilic/hydrophobic phase separation and high proton conductivity and low gas permeability. The membrane showed better fuel cell performance and durability compared with those with Nafion, state-of-the-art proton conducting membrane.