Radiofrequency plasma polymerized perfluoroionomer membrane materials

Ion exchange membranes have received considerable attention in recent years. Applications of ion exchange membranes have included such electrochemical systems as water and organic electrolyzers, redox-flow batteries, and sensors. This work is a study of radiofrequency plasma polymerization of perfluorinated acid-containing monomers and a perfluorinated {open_quotes}backbone{close_quotes} comonomer as a method for synthesizing novel polyionomer film coatings for use as membranes on electrodes and biomedical sensors. The results indicate that, by altering the deposition conditions, some control can be exercised over the retention of acid functional groups by plasma polymers. Using AC impedance measurements, the ionic conductivity of these films was found to be two to four orders of magnitude higher than their aqueous environments. In addition, several of the acid-containing plasma polymerized films were hydrophilic, having an advancing water contact angle of less than fifteen degrees. The initial results of this study have demonstrated the feasibility of using acid-containing plasma polymers as crosslinked membrane materials suitable for use with electrochemical sensors and biosensors.