A series of aromatic polyesters bearing fluorene and phthalein groups were synthesized from commercially available 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorene (BPF), phenolphthalein, and terephthaloyl chloride through an interfacial polymerization method. The microstructure, molecular weight, morphology, thermal properties, and thermal decomposition mechanism of these aromatic polyesters were investigated. Their mechanical properties were also evaluated. The results suggested that the copolymer compositions were approximately equal to the feed compositions. Moreover, the increase in the BPF unit content increased the glass transition and weight loss temperatures of the aromatic polyesters, owing to the strong rigidity of the bulky fluorene group. All the polymers were amorphous and exhibited good solubility in common organic solvents. Hence, the synthesized polymers could be easily cast into flexible films. The copolymer film samples exhibited better mechanical properties than those of the homopolymers. The tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and elongation at break of the polymers first increased gradually, and then decreased with increasing BPF content. Notably, the copolymers exhibited the best mechanical properties at the BPF content range 30–50%. Owing to their characteristics, these synthesized polymers show great potential for application as high performance membrane materials.
Ao Nan Lai,Yi Zhi Zhuo,Chen Xiao Lin,Qiu Gen Zhang,Ai Mei Zhu,Mei Ling Ye,Qing Lin Liu
Two series of novel poly(arylene ether sulfone nitrile) (PESN) multiblock copolymers are synthesized to prepare anion exchange membranes (AEMs) for alkaline fuel cells. To study the effect of phenolphthalein groups on the structure and properties of the membranes, the ion groups facilitating the formation of ion clusters are selectively and densely located on the phenolphthalein-sulfone segments of one and on the bisphenol A-sulfone segments of the other. The morphology and structure of the membranes are observed by atomic force microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering. The phenolphthalein-containing type endows the AEMs with a much clearer and more-defined microphase-separated structure leading to the formation of much larger and more developed interconnected ion-transport channels. As a result, high hydroxide conductivity (in the range of 2.04–12.98 × 10−2 S cm−1 from 30 to 80 °C) and H2/O2 fuel cell performance (an open circuit voltage of 0.92 V and a maximum power density of 66.4 mW cm−2 at 60 °C) can be achieved. Furthermore, the phenolphthalein-containing AEMs also show higher water uptake and mechanical strength, lower swelling ratio, and higher thermal and alkaline stability than the phenolphthalein-free AEMs.