Control of Microdomain Alignment in Block Copolymer Electrolytes for Proton Exchange Membranes Using an Electric Field

Abstract

With the recent interest in fuel cells, block copolymer electrolytes have become an important class of materials for use in proton exchange membranes. In this study, the dependence of proton conductivity on the degree of microdomain alignment in block copolymer electrolyte membranes under an electric field was investigated using transmission electron microscopy and proton conductivity measurement. Microdomain alignment was controlled by varying the magnitude and duration of the applied electric field. Morphological features of the block copolymer electrolyte were also observed using small angle X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy. This study provides basic information about structure-property relations in block copolymer electrolyte membranes.