Short-side-chain vinyl ether polymer

For instance, the Dow experimental membrane and the recently introduced Hyflon Ion E83 membrane by Solvay-Solexis are "short side chain" (SSC) fluoropolymers, which exhibit increased water uptake, significantly enhanced proton conductivity, and better stability at T > 100°C due to higher glass transition temperatures in comparison to Nafion. The membrane morphology and the basic mechanisms of proton transport are, however, similar for all PFSA ionomers mentioned. The base polymer of Nation, depicted schematically in Figure 6.3, consists of a copolymer of tetrafluoro-ethylene, forming the backbone, and randomly attached pendant side chains of perfluorinated vinyl ethers, terminated by sulfonic acid head groups. °... 

A modification of the polymer that has been adopted by various groups is to have shorter side chains as compared to Nafion. Short side chains increase the crystallinity of the PFSA, thus reducing the solubility. Solvay Solexis has developed Aquivion, a membrane based on Hyflon, which is a copolymer of Teflon and sulfonyl fluoride vinyl ether with low EW (790-870) and good crystallinity, with proton conductivity values in the order of 30 mS cm at 120°C, 30% RH [22]. A similar approach is followed by 3M, who have shown 580 EW membranes approaching 100 mS cm at 120°C and RH 50% [23]. Gore recently reported values >50 mS cm at 30% RH and > 100 mS cm 50% RH with a new, undisclosed ionomers [24]. DuPont recently presented results on MEAs with new ionomer that showed a much reduced dependence on the RH as compared to Nafion-based membranes [17]. 

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