Synthesis partially sulfonamide hydrocarbon membranes for PEMFC

In order to apply in PEMFC as a polymer membrane, the novel sulfonated and sulfonimide poly (chlorobenzophone) (S-PCBP, SI-PCBP) with hydrocarbon backbones were successfully synthesized and the performance of two polymers also be compared. Precursor poly (chlorobenzophone) (PCBP) was synthesized via the C-C coupling reaction utilizing the Nickel-Based catalyst. The sulfonation degree of PCBP was decided by different acid groups (sulfonic or sulfonimide group). The chemical structures of monomer and polymers were confirmed by 1 H-NMR, while, the additional sulfonation and imidation also were monitored by 1 H-NMR. Moreover, both of S-PCBP and SI-PCBP showed reasonable water uptake, dimensional changes, and higher IEC compared with Nafion 211.