A simple strategy for synthesis of side-chain sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone sulfone) constructing hydrophilic/ hydrophobic phase separation structure

A series of poly(aryl ether ketone sulfone) polymers (C-PAEKS-DBS) were synthesized from 4-carboxyphenyl hydroquinone, allyl bisphenol S, and 4,4-difluorobenzophenone by nucleophilic polycondensation. And further a series of side chain sulfonated poly(aryl ether ketone sulfone) proton exchange membranes (CPDA-x) were prepared by simply introducing hydrophilic long alkyl side chains (AMPS) into the polymers by means of double bond cross-linking. The structure of the prepared CPDA-x were characterized by FT-IR, ¹H NMR and SEM. This series of composite membranes showed excellent dimensional stability which including moderate water absorption (ranging from 27.91% to 33.33% at 80 °C) and low swelling ratio (ranging from 10.26% to 16.67% at 80 °C). In addition, the prepared films also exhibited high oxidative stability and mechanical property. This simple strategy for the producing of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) has certain potential and may be applied to the producing of fuel cell membranes with hydrophilic and hydrophobic phase separation structures.