Sulfonyl imide-based poly(benzophenone)s fuel cell membranes via nicake catalyzed polymerization

Poly(benzophenone)s membranes (SI-PBP) containing super gas phase acidic sulfonyl imide groups have been prepared from 2,5-dichlorobenzophenone (DCBP) monomer by C-C coupling polymerization using Ni (0) catalyst. The entirely aromatic C-C coupled polymer backbones of the SI-PBP membranes provide exceptional dimensional stability with rational ion exchange capacity (IEC) from 1.85 to 2.30 mS/cm. The notable thermal and chemical properties of the synthesized SI-PBP membranes have been assessed by the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fenton's test, respectively. The atomic force microscopic (AFM) analysis of the surface morphology, confirms a well distinct ionic channels of the SI-PBP membranes.