PSEPVE ethyl propyl vinyl ether

The synthesis of the monomers as well as the polymerization of PFSA membranes involve dangerous reactions under conditions of high pressure and temperature. Additionally, the synthesis of the comonomer that is commonly referred to as perfluorosulfonylfluoride ethyl propyl vinyl ether (PSEPVE) involves numerous steps with low yields. These factors contribute to the cost of these materials. The synthesis routes described in detail by Doyle and Rajendran are summarized here. The synthesis of the long-chain PFSA monomers used in commercial systems like Nafion, Flemion, and Aciplex proceeds through... 

Nafion is a random copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (T EE) and perfluoro sulfonyl-fiuoride ethyl propyl vinyl ether (PSEPVE), made by free radical polymerization. The sulfonyl fluoride terminus in the polymer is converted to the sulfonate salt by basic hydrolysis, which produces either the Na or form of Nafion. Ioti exchange with sulfuric acid produces the sulfonic acid form shown in Fig. 1. The copolymer ratio (x) is defined by the equivalent weight, EW = lOOx + 444 g-polymer/mol-S03. Details of the monomer synthesis and subsequent conversimi processes are summarized by Doyle and Rajendran [4]. 

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