Ion exchangers based on oxidized polymers

Abstract Oxygen containing functional groups with considerable proton acidity can be introduced into polymers with delocalized π-electrons by anodic oxidation in H 2 O - containing electrolytes. Because of their acidity these groups have cation-exchange properties, with exchange capacities comparable to those of conventional commercial cation-exchangers. In spite of the high degree of functionalization there is still some residual electronic conductivity in these oxidized polymers. The combination of conductivity plus cation-exchange behaviour suggests applications in the field of electrocatalysis.