Self-Standing Proton-Conducting Polymer Membrane

Significance

Robust polymer films capable of conducting protons have potential for utilization in applications such as fuel cells. The authors report novel block copolymers containing various ratios of pendant perfluorobenzene moiety for thermal stability, 1-methylsilacyclobutyl group for cross-linking, and sulfonic acid for proton conduction. The polymers display high ion-exchange capacity and proton conductivities similar to that of Nafion 117.