Effect of Sulfonation Level on the Percolated Morphology and Proton Conductivity of Hydrated Fluorine-Free Copolymers: Experiments and Simulations.

ABSTRACT: Using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations and a variety of experimental methods, we previously reported on a linear polyethylene with pendant phenyl sulfonated groups precisely on every fifth carbon along the backbone. With increasing relative humidity this fluorine-free polymer self-assembled to form nanoscale water channels and exhibited exceptional proton conductivity. Expanding upon those findings, here we explore partially sulfonated random copolymers, referred to as p5PhSH-Y. Using either acetyl sulfate or sulfuric acid, a wide range of sulfonation levels were prepared (Y = 34-98%) corresponding to ion-exchange capacities (IEC) of 2.0-4.4 mmol/g. Combining experimental techniques and all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, we study the effect of Y on

SUBMITTER: Oh SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12188408 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature