Block Copolymers Containing Quaternary Benzyl Ammonium Cations

bDepartment of Physics, University of Massachusetts Amherst,. 411 Hasbrouck ... these limitations are regarded as promising energy devices (5, 6). An ...
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Block Copolymers Containing Quaternary Benzyl Ammonium Cations for Alkaline Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (AAEMFC) Tsung-Han Tsai,a Craig Versek,b Michael Thorn,b Mark Tuominen,b and E. Bryan Coughlina,* aDepartment of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 120 Governors Drive, Amherst, MA, USA 01003 bDepartment of Physics, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 411 Hasbrouck Laboratory, Amherst, MA 01003 *Corresponding author. Phone: +1 413-577-1616, Fax: +1 413-545-0082, E-mail: [email protected]

Block copolymers of polystyrene-b-poly (vinylbenzyltrimethylammonium tetrafluoroborate) (PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4]) were synthesized by sequential monomer addition using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Block copolymers of polystyrene-b-poly (vinylbenzyltrimethylammonium hydroxide) (PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH]) was prepared as polymeric alkaline anion exchange membranes (AAEMC) materials by ion exchange from PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4] with hydroxide in order to investigate the morphology relationship to ion conductivity. Membranes of the block copolymers were made by drop casting from dimethylformamide. Initial evaluation of the microphase separation in these PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4] materials via SAXS revealed the formation of spherical, cylindrical and lamellar morphologies. Studies of humidity (RH)-dependent conductivity at 80°C showed that a strong effect of microstructures on conductivity. Moreover, the investigation of the temperature-dependent conductivity at RH = 50%, 70% and 90% showed a significant effect of grain boundaries in the membranes against the formation of continuous conductive channels which is an important requirement for achieving high ion conductivity.

© 2012 American Chemical Society In Polymers for Energy Storage and Delivery: Polyelectrolytes for Batteries and Fuel Cells; Page, K., et al.; ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2012.

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Introduction Fuel cells, which convert chemical energy to electrical energy through redox reactions have gained renewed attention for renewable energy devices because of their high efficiency, high energy density and low formation of pollutants (1, 2). Among different types of fuel cells, the most well-developed is the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) containing sulfonic acid groups as ion transport moieties. Commercially available Nafion® (3), a perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer, has been widely used and investigated as a proton exchange membrane because of its good chemical stability, suitable mechanical properties and high proton conductivity. However, due to the high cost of the membranes and their need for noble metal (i.e. platinum) based electrocatalysts, the commercialization of PEMFCs is still limited. Additionally, oxygen reduction and fuel (hydrogen or alcohol) oxidation are sluggish under the cell’s acidic condition, and the noble metal catalysts are easily poisoned by carbon monoxide at low temperature. These are serious obstacles to the extensive application of PEMFCs as energy devices (4). Alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AAEMFCs) that can overcome these limitations are regarded as promising energy devices (5, 6). An important advantage of AAEMFCs over PEMFCs is that the oxygen reduction and fuel oxidation overpotentials can be reduced leading to the use of non-noble metal catalysts ( i.e. nickel and silver) and longer chain alcohol fuels. Moreover, metal catalysts are more resistant to corrosion under the cell’s basic conditions. When using methanol as the fuel, issues with fuel crossover can be reduced because the hydroxide conduction direction is opposite to the methanol crossover direction. The major challenge for AAEMFCs is the chemical durability of the polycation ion transport groups, and the polymeric backbone of the conductive membranes under alkaline condition. Benzyltrimethylammonium cations have been proven to be stable cations under basic condition because of the absence of β-hydrogen, preventing Hoffmann elimination (7). Recently, Varcoe and co-workers demonstrated radiation-grafted PVDF, ETFT and FEP containing polymeric benzyltrimethylammonium hydroxide ions for AAEMFCs (8–11). Additionally, chloromethylated poly(sulfone)s quaternized by treatment with trimethylamine are another popular type of AAEMFCs because of their good mechanical, thermal and chemical stability (12–14). Brominated benzylmethyl-containing poly(sulfone)s for AAEMFCs investigated by Hickner’s group avoid the chloromethylation which is known to be a toxic and carcinogenic process (15). Cross-linked tetraalkylammonium-functionalized polyethylenes have been synthesized by ring opening metathesis copolymerization of tetraalkylammonium-functionalized cyclooctenes copolymerization with unfunctionalized cyclooctenes (16). These cross-linked structures provide good mechanical properties and allow higher incorporation of ion conductive groups. Until now, all of the studies on AAEMFCs have been based on random copolymers containing conductive polycation moieties. Microphase separation in block copolymers can provide versatile platforms for the fabrication of nanostructure materials with a wide range of morphologies such as cylinders, lamellas and gyroids (17, 18). Polymeric conductive membranes made from block copolymers can provide more well-oriented and 254 In Polymers for Energy Storage and Delivery: Polyelectrolytes for Batteries and Fuel Cells; Page, K., et al.; ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2012.

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continuous conductive microdomain to enhance ion conductivity than membranes made from random copolymers. Because of the presence of the hydrophobic domain in the membranes, the mechanical strength can be enhanced and enables the incorporation of more ion conductive groups (higher ion exchange capacity). Several studies about structure-morphology-property relationships of block copolymers for PEM have shown that the morphology of the conductive membranes strongly influences their proton conductivity (19–25). However, fundamental investigation about the relationship between morphology and conductivity in AAEM made from well-defined block copolymer is still lacking. In the present work, we synthesized block copolymers of polystyrene-b-poly (vinylbenzyltrimethylammonium tetrafluoroborate) (PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4]) via sequential monomer addition atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Polystyrene-b-poly (vinylbenzyltrimethylammonium hydroxide) (PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH]) was subsequently prepared by ion exchange with hydroxide to produce the AAEMFC materials. Conductivity measurements were made using impedance spectroscopy to better understand the fundamental relationships between the morphology and conductivity of the materials.

Experimental Materials Styrene (>99%, Aldrich) was passed through a column of basic alumina. Anhydrous N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) (99.8%, Alfa Aesar), (vinylbenzyl)trimethylammonium chloride [VBTMA][Cl] (99%, Aldrich), sodium tetrafluoroborate (NaBF4) (97%, Alfa Aesar), copper(I) bromide (CuBr) (99.999%, Aldrich), (1-bromoethyl)benzene (97%, Alfa Aesar) and 1,1,4,7,10,10-hexamethyltriethylenetetramine (HMTETA) (97%, Aldrich) were used as received. All solvents were of ACS grade. Characterizations 1H-NMR spectroscopy was performed on a Bruker DPX-300 FT-NMR. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was performed in THF on a Polymer Laboratories PL-GPC 50 Integrated GPC system. Infrared spectroscopy was performed on a Perkin-Elmer Spectrum 100 FTIR spectrometer with universal ATR sampling accessory. SAXS experiments were performed at the synchrotron X-ray beamline X27C at the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) in Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). The wavelength of the X-ray beam was 0.1366 nm. A MAR CCD X-ray detector (MAR) was used to collect the 2D SAXS patterns. The scattering angle of the SAXS pattern was calibrated using silver docosanoate.

Conductivity Measurement Ion conductivity measurements were made by employing impedance spectroscopy using custom electrode assemblies and automation software within 255 In Polymers for Energy Storage and Delivery: Polyelectrolytes for Batteries and Fuel Cells; Page, K., et al.; ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2012.

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the humidity and temperature controlled environment of an ESPEC SH-241 test chamber. The free standing membrane samples of irregular areas were lightly compressed between two gold-plated stainless steel electrodes, the top having an area of A=0.07917 cm^2 (1/8 inch diameter) and bottom having a 1/2 inch diameter, such that there was exposed material on the top surface. The impedance spectra were sampled at regular intervals of 20 minutes using a Solartron 1260 Impedance/Gain Phase Analyzer over a range of 10 MHz to 0.1Hz in logarithmic steps of 10 points per decade; the portion of each spectrum forming a "plateau" in the impedance magnitude and corresponding to the first local phase minimum nearest the low frequency range was fitted to a constant magnitude function and interpreted as the bulk resistance R to ion transport within the membrane. The thickness t of each membrane was measured with a micrometer and effective area for the conductance measurement was estimated as the area of the smaller top electrode A, so that conductivity was computed as conductivity ( σ ) = t/(A*R). The thickness of the membranes are 189µm, 242µm and 310µm for PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4]-1 to 3 respectively. Ion Exchange of Vinylbenzyltrimethylammonium Tetrafluoroborate [VBTMA][BF4] The ion exchange of [VBTMA][Cl] was performed as previously reported (26). [VBTMA][Cl] (2.2 g, 10.39 mmol) and NaBF4(1.255 g, 11.43 mmol) were dissolved in 200 ml acetonitrile and stirred at ambient temperature overnight. The solution was filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated. White crystals were obtained by precipitation in anhydrous diethyl ether and then dried in vacuum at 40 °C. Synthesis of Poly(vinylbenzyltrimethylammonium tetrafluoroborate) ([PVBTMA][BF4]) by ATRP Nitrogen purged DMF (2 ml), (1-bromoethyl)benzene (7.03 mg, 0.038 mmol) and HMTETA (8.75 mg, 0.038 mmol) were added to a Schlenk tube containing a mixture of [VBTMA][BF4] (1g, 3.8 mmol) and copper(I) bromide (5.45 mg, 0.038 mmol). The mixture was put under vacuum and refilled with nitrogen 3 times. The mixture was degassed by 3 freeze-pump-thaw cycles followed by stirring at 90 °C. Aliquot samples were taken and analyzed to determine conversion of the reaction by 1H-NMR. Synthesis of Polystyrene (PS-Br) by ATRP The polymerization of styrene was performed as reported in the literature (27). Styrene (36.36 g, 348.8 mmol) was added to a Schlenk tube containing a mixture of CuBr (74.5 mg, 0.519 mmol), (1-bromoethyl)benzene ( 99.0 mg, 0.519 mmol) and HMTETA ( 119.6 mg, 0.519 mmol). The mixture was degassed by 3 freezepump-thaw cycles followed by stirring at 110 °C for 5h. After polymerization, the reaction solution was quenched in an ice bath then passed through a pad of basic 256 In Polymers for Energy Storage and Delivery: Polyelectrolytes for Batteries and Fuel Cells; Page, K., et al.; ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2012.

alumina to remove the copper catalyst and, precipitated in methanol three times to obtain polystyrene as a white powder.

Synthesis of PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4] by ATRP

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Nitrogen purged DMF (4 ml) and HMTETA ( 4.6 mg, 0.05 mmol) were added to a Schlenk tube containing a mixture of PS-Br ( 700 mg, Mn=35 kg/mol), [VBTMA][BF4] (700 mg, 2.67 mmol) and copper(I) bromide (2.86 mg, 0.02 mmol). The mixture was degassed by 3 freeze-pump-thaw cycles followed by stirring at 90°C. The polymer was precipitated into methanol.

Membranes Preparation of PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4] PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4] membranes were drop cast from DMF (10 wt% solution) onto a Teflon sheet. The membranes were first dried at ambient temperature, and then under vacuum at 40 °C.

Ion Exchange of PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH] PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4] membranes were soaked in 1M KOH aqueous solution for 3 days. The solution was changed several times, then the membranes were immersed in water for 1day.

Result and Discussion Synthesis of PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4] Amphiphilic block copolymers PS-b-[PVBTMA] have been synthesized by quaternization with trimethylamine of polystyrene-b-polyvinyl benzyl chloride (PVBCl) synthesized by sequential stable free radical polymerization (SFRP) (28). However, complete conversion of the quaternization was difficult to achieve, and the polycation block was a random copolymer, [PVBTMA]-ran-PVBCl. Therefore, in order to obtain a ture block copolymer PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH], we synthesized PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4] first by sequential ATRP in DMF followed by ion exchange with hydroxide because PS and [PVBTMA][BF4] are soluble in DMF. First, the ATRP of [PVBTMA][BF4] was investigated to confirm its living character. As shown in Scheme 1, [VBTMA][BF4] was made by ion exchange from commercially available [VBTMA][Cl], then polymerized by ATRP catalyzed by a CuBr/HMTETA complex at 90 °C. The linear increase of conversion versus time (shown in Figure 1a ) was observed when the conversion was kept below 50%. Conversion reaches a plateau at 50% probably due to the poor solubility of the highly concentrated polymer chains in the reaction mixture. The 1H-NMR spectra in Figure 1b confirmed the presence of [PVBTMA][BF4] resonances. 257 In Polymers for Energy Storage and Delivery: Polyelectrolytes for Batteries and Fuel Cells; Page, K., et al.; ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2012.

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Scheme 1. Synthesis of poly (vinylbenzyltrimethylammonium tetrafluoroborate) [PVBTMA][BF4] homopolymers.

Figure 1. (a) Time dependence of conversion for polymerization of [VBTMA][BF4] by ATRP. [[VBTMA][BF4]]0/[initiator]0/[CuBr]0/[HMTETA]0 = 100:1:1:1, [[VBTMA][BF4]] = 1.9M. (b) 1H-NMR spectra of [PVBTMA][BF4] in DMSO-d6.

Scheme 2. Synthesis of poly (styrene-b-vinylbenzyltrimethylammonium tetrafluoroborate) PS-b- [PVBTMA][BF4] block copolymers.

258 In Polymers for Energy Storage and Delivery: Polyelectrolytes for Batteries and Fuel Cells; Page, K., et al.; ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2012.

The synthetic route for PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4] is shown in Scheme 2. PS-Br materials with Mn = 35 kg/mol and dispersity (Ð) = 1.13 were synthesized via ATRP catalyzed by a CuBr/HMTETA complex. PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4] materials were synthesized by a chain extension ATRP of [VBTMA][BF4] using the PS-Br as macroinitiator in DMF at 90°C (Table I). After the copolymerization, aliquots of solution were analyzed by 1H-NMR in DMSO-d6 to measure the conversion of the polymerization. The Mn of the [PVBTMA][BF4], and the composition and ion exchange capacity (IEC) of PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4] were calculated based on the conversion. The Ð and Mn of the resulting block copolymers cannot be readily measured by GPC due to lack of a suitable solvent systems to serve as the eluent.

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Table I. Samples of PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4] Sample

Starting Polystyrene Mna (kg/mol)

Ða

Conv.b (%)

PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4]-1

35.0

1.13

56.2

19659

64

1.36

PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4]-2

35.0

1.13

35.7

16065

68

1.19

PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4]-3

35.0

1.13

15.7

6280

84

0.58

PS IECd Mn of [PVBTMA]- mole% (meq/g) [BF4]c

a

Mn and Ð of PS were measured by GPC versus narrow linear PS standards. b The conversion was calculated by 1NMR spectra of reaction mixture after copolymerization in DMSO-d6. c Mn of [PVBTMA][BF4] was calculated by the conversion. d Ion exchange capacity (IEC) of the samples were calculated from the composition ratio between PS and [PVBTMA][BF4].

The 1H-NMR spectra (Figure 2) of PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4]-2 in DMF-d7 confirmed the presence of the quaternary ammonium group in [PVBTMA][BF4] block with the methylene resonances (d) at δ = 4.3 ppm and the methyl group (e) adjacent to the quaternary ammonium resonances at δ = 3.1 ppm.

Morphology Studies on the PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4] by SAXS Originally, the membranes of the PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4] were made by drop casting from dichloromethane (DCM), chloroform, tetrahydrofuran and dimethylformamide (DMF). Small angle X-ray scattering experiments were performed at room temperature to determine the self-assembly behavior these of PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4] membranes. SAXS data (log (I) vs q) for the membranes cast from different solvents show that scattering from the membranes cast from DMF, a good solvent for both blocks, show a lower degree of order. On the contrary, SAXS data for the membranes cast from DCM, a selective solvent for the PS; showed distinctly higher order peaks. Therefore, well-defined membrane morphologies can be obtained by choosing a selective solvent to drop cast the 259 In Polymers for Energy Storage and Delivery: Polyelectrolytes for Batteries and Fuel Cells; Page, K., et al.; ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2012.

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Figure 2. 1H-NMR spectrum of PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4]-2 in DMF-d7. membranes. However, the ion exchange to hydroxide anion for the membranes made by drop casting from DCM failed. This may have occurred because PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4] forms micelle like structures (with PS as corona and [PVBTMA][BF4] as core) in DCM, disturbing the formation of continuous ion conductive channels when drop casting the membranes from DCM. Membranes from DMF, while less ordered, undergo successful conversion to the hydroxide counter ion. SAXS data of different PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4] samples are shown in Figure 3. For samples PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4]-1 and 2, the SAXS data shows two scattering peaks at q* and 2q*, making it difficult to determine the actual morphology of the membranes. However, the SAXS data confirm the existence a degree of orientation (cylinders or lamellas) in these membranes. The larger d-spacing of sample PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4]-1 and 2 (around 46 nm) compared to sample PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4]-3 (28.8 nm) is due to the phase transition to spherical morphology, which is supported by presumably decreasing [PVBTMA][BF4] content from sample 1 to 3. Ion Exchange for PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4] In order to determine the conversion of ion exchange, these membranes were characterized by FTIR. Figure 4 shows the FTIR spectrum of PS-b[PVBTMA][BF4] before and after ion exchange in 1M KOH aqueous solution for 3 days. The disappearance of the characteristics band at 1048cm-1 corresponding to the tetrafluoroborate anion and the presence of the characteristic signal of hydroxide anion (O-H stretching at around 3500 cm-1) indicates complete ion exchange. 260 In Polymers for Energy Storage and Delivery: Polyelectrolytes for Batteries and Fuel Cells; Page, K., et al.; ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2012.

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Figure 3. SAXS profiles for PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4] membranes cast from DMF.

Figure 4. FTIR spectra for the PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4]-2 membrane (upper trace) and the PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH]-2 membrane (lower trace).

Morphology-Conductivity Relationships The humidity-dependent conductivity of PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH] membranes at 80 °C are shown in Figure 5. From the log conductivity versus humidity plot, the conductivity increase with increasing humidity for all three samples because water uptake in the membrane facilitates ion conduction. Additionally, the conductivity increase with increasing IEC of the materials ( from PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH]-3, IEC = 0.58 meq/g to PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH]-1, IEC = 1.36 meq/g); however, it does not increase proportionally. The conductivity increase 4-fold (0.36 mS/cm to 261 In Polymers for Energy Storage and Delivery: Polyelectrolytes for Batteries and Fuel Cells; Page, K., et al.; ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2012.

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12.5mS/cm) at RH = 90% and approximately 5-fold (0.05mS/cm to 0.23mS/cm) at RH = 30% when IEC change from 0.57 meq/g to 1.36 meq/g. This unexpected relationship between conductivity and IEC may result from inherent types of microstructures in the materials. For PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH]-3 (IEC = 0.58 meq/g), self-assembly into spherical morphology which is a inferior structure for ion conduction compared to PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH]-1 that formed a cylindrical or a lamellar microstructure.

Figure 5. Humidity (RH)-dependent conductivity for PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH] membranes at 80°C. Conductivity data as a function of temperature of PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH] membranes at different humidity conditions are shown Figure 6. The ion conductivity of these there samples increase with elevated temperature at humidity levels of 50%, 70% and 90%. As shown in Figure 6a, the conductivity of PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH]-1 and -2 are higher then that of [PVBTMA][OH]-3 at temperature above 45°C, so-called refraction temperature, because of higher IEC leading to higher conductivity. The conductivity among these samples follow a reverse order at temperature below 45 °C. This unexpected behavior may result from a grain boundary effect of the PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH]-1 and -2 at temperature below 45 °C. The PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH]-1 and -2 self-assemble into cylindrical or lamellar microstructure having grain boundaries at room temperature because of poor order SAXS pattern shown in Figure 3. At temperatures below 45 °C and humidity 50%, the existence of grain boundaries may hinder the ion transport resulting in low conductivity. These grain boundaries in sample PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH]-1 and -2 are broken to generate a more continuous conductive channels when temperature is above 45°C as a consequence of water swelling in the membranes at higher temperature. Because 262 In Polymers for Energy Storage and Delivery: Polyelectrolytes for Batteries and Fuel Cells; Page, K., et al.; ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2012.

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the PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH]-3 sample exhibit spherical morphology, the conductive channels are built by the stacking of spherical [PVBTMA][OH] domains which are less influenced by the grain boundaries and increasing temperature. Moreover, the refraction temperature at 70% humidity ( 35°C, shown in Figure 6b) is lower than that at humidity 50% (45 °C, shown in Figure 6a) because more water swelling of the membrane at humidity 70% than at humidity 50% facilitates the elimination of grain boundaries.

Figure 6. Temperature-dependent conductivity for PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH] membranes at (a) RH = 50%, (b) RH = 70% and (c) RH = 90%.

Conclusions In this study, block copolymers PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH] were synthesized by sequential monomer addition ATRP of styrene and [VBTMA] [BF4] followed by anion exchange from tetrafluoroborate counter anion to hydroxide anion. The total disappearance of the characteristics stretching band of tetrafluoroborate anion indicated the complete conversion of ion exchange. Microphase separation of the PS-b-[PVBTMA][BF4] samples into spherical, cylindrical or lamellar microstructure were determined by SAXS. The investigation of humidity (RH)-dependent conductivity at 80 °C showed that the conductivity increase with increasing humidity due to water uptake in the membrane facilitating ion conduction. Additionally, the non-linearly increasing conductivity ( 12.5 263 In Polymers for Energy Storage and Delivery: Polyelectrolytes for Batteries and Fuel Cells; Page, K., et al.; ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2012.

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mS/cm to 3.5 mS/cm at RH = 90%) with increasing IEC of the materials ( from PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH]-3, IEC = 0.58 meq/g to PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH]-1, IEC = 1.36 meq/g) may result from the different types of microstructures formed in the materials. Moreover, the temperature-dependent conductivity at RH = 50%, 70% and 90% showed that the ion conductivity of these three samples increase with elevated temperature. The conductivity of PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH]-1 and -2 are higher then that of [PVBTMA][OH]-3 at temperatures above 45°C because of higher IEC leading to higher conductivity. The conductivity among these samples follow a reverse order at temperature below 45 °C. This unexpected behavior may result from the presence of grain boundary effect on the PS-b-[PVBTMA][OH]-1 and -2 samples at temperature below 45 °C. From the above observations, we concluded that it is crucial for achieving high conductivity of AAEM made by block copolymers to self-assemble into the well-connected and defect-free lamellar or cylindrical microstructures.

Acknowledgments Funding was provided by the US Army MURI on Ion Transport in Complex Heterogeneous Organic Materials (W911NF-10-1-0520). Partial support was provided by the National Science Foundation Center for Hierarchical Manufacturing (CMMI-1025020) and an IGERT program (DGE-0504485) The SAXS synchrotron X-ray beamline X27C at the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) in Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is supported by the Department of Energy. We thank Zhao Wei and Professor T. P. Russell for help with SAXS experiments.

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