Sulfonated aromatic copoly(ether–amide) membranes II

Several aromatic sulfonated copoly(ether–amide)s, based on the aromatic diamines 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(p-phenyleneoxy)-dianiline (HFD) and 2,4-diaminobenzensulfonic acid (DABS) and 4,4′-oxybis(benzoic acid) (OBA), were synthesized through a polycondensation reaction. The sulfonation degree was controlled by introducing different concentrations of 2,4-DABS from 40 mol% up to 80 mol%. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance validated the expected concentrations of sulfonic acid groups in the sulfonated aromatic copoly(ether–amide)s. Thermal decomposition of sulfonic groups was found to initiate at 280°C, while main chain decomposition initiates at 410°C. Proton conductivity between 30°C and 75°C was 19.0 and 45.0 mS/cm, respectively, for the copolymer with the highest concentration of sulfonic groups (–SO3H). Comparison with structurally similar sulfonated copolyamides and copoly(ether–amide)s indicates that these new sulfonated copoly(ether–amide)s based on 4,4′-OBA show improved mechanical properties, but a decrease in ion exchange capacity and proton conductivity.