Sulfonated polynaphthylimides as proton-conducting membranes for fuel cells

The main achievements in the field of synthesis of sulfonated polynaphthylimides and their precursors, namely, sulfonated aromatic diamines, are analysed. The relationship between the structure of sulfonated polynaphthylimides and their physicochemical characteristics such as chemical and thermal stability, moisture uptake, ion-exchange capacity and proton conductivity is studied. The prospects of using polynaphthylimides containing pendant sulfo groups for the development of proton-conducting polymeric electrolyte membranes for fuel cells are demonstrated.