Embodiments of the invention relate to a novel class of polymers with superior mechanical properties and chemical stability, as compared to known polymers. These polymers are particularly well suited for use in anion exchange membranes (AEMs), including those employed in fuel cells. Novel methods for the manufacture of these polymers are also described.

A method of forming a crosslinked polymer and an anion, the method comprising the step of reacting a first polymeric substituent comprising a nucleophilic group and a second polymeric substituent comprising an electrophilic group wherein the first polymeric substituent is a substituent of a first polymer and the second polymeric substituent is a substituent of the first polymer or a second polymer. The first and second polymers may be non-conjugated or conjugated. The crosslinked polymers may be used in electrochemical devices, for example battery cells.

A conjugated polymer comprises repeating units as represented by formula (I),

AB.sub.p (I)

p is the number of the repeating units, and p is an integer more than or equal to 1; and A has a structure as represented by formula (II), and B has a structure as represented by formula (II) or formula (III).

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The described conjugated polymer has a higher triplet energy level and a higher charge transfer property.

Provided herein are copolymer electrolytes and electrocatalyst platforms, including brush block copolymers, triblock brush copolymers and pentablock brush copolymers. The copolymers described have beneficial chemical, physical and electrical properties including high ionic conductivity and mechanical strength. In embodiments, for example, the provided copolymer electrolytes and electrocatalyst platforms are doped with lithium salts or mixed with ionic liquids to form ion gels. In some embodiments, the copolymers provided herein self-assemble into physically cross-linked polymer networks with additional useful properties. The provided copolymers have low dispersity in the polymer side chains and do not require post-polymerization modifications.

Hydrocarbon proton exchange membranes are disclosed that are composed of a material including a hydrophobic main chain, and acidic side chains. The main chain includes a polyaryl structure that is substantially free of ether linkages and also includes a fluoromethyl substituted carbon. The acidic side chains include a hydrocarbon tether terminated by a strongly acidic group, such as a fluoroalkyl sulfonate group. Chemical stability of the material is increased by removing the ether linkages from the main chain. The hydrophobic main chain and substantially hydrophilic side chains create a phase-separated morphology that affords enhanced transport of protons and water across the membrane even at low relative humidity levels. These materials are advantageous as membranes for use in fuel cells, redox flow batteries, water hydrolysis systems, sensors, electrochemical hydrogen compressors, actuators, water purifiers, gas separators, etc.

Provided are an anion exchange resin being capable of producing an electrolyte membrane and the like, which have improved chemical properties (durability). For example, used is an anion exchange resin comprising a hydrophobic unit being composed of a plurality of divalent hydrophobic groups repeated via carbon-carbon bond, the divalent hydrophobic group having a plurality of aromatic rings which are connected to each other via a divalent fluorine-containing group; and a hydrophilic unit being composed of a plurality of hydrophilic groups repeated via carbon-carbon bond, the hydrophilic groups being composed of a plurality of aromatic rings which are connected to each other via a divalent hydrocarbon group and/or carbon-carbon bond, and the hydrophilic groups containing an anion exchange group-containing group including a quaternary ammonium salt having a piperidine ring, and wherein the hydrophobic unit and the hydrophilic unit are connected via carbon-carbon bond.

Provided are: an organic electronic multi-sensor wherein an ionic electrolyte and an organic semiconductor polymer are fused to form a double layer and have a mesh shape; and a method for producing same. The organic electronic multi-sensor provides different, complementary ion and charge transfer pathways depending on the volume ratio of the ionic electrolyte and thus is capable of distinguishing the electrical resistance properties of volatile organic compounds having a wide range of polarities. In addition, the organic electronic multi-sensor senses light of respective wavelengths on the basis of optical signals, converts temperatures to electrical signals according to thermal signals, and thus can sense each environment change.

The present invention relates to an organic electronic material containing at least an ionic compound represented by general formula (1) shown below and a compound having a charge transport unit. The present invention can provide an organic electronic material that is capable of forming an organic electronic element having a low drive voltage and excellent emission efficiency and lifespan characteristics. In general formula (1), ArF represents a fluoroaryl group or a fluoroheteroaryl group, each of R.sup.a and R.sup.b independently represents a hydrogen atom (H), an alkyl group, a benzyl group, an aryl group or a heteroaryl group, and A represents an anion.

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A capacitor that is capable of exhibiting good properties under humid conditions is provided. The ability to perform under such conditions is due in part to selective control over the particular nature of the solid electrolyte and cathode coating that overlies the solid electrolyte. For example, the solid electrolyte contains pre-polymerized conductive polymer particles, which can help act as a blocking layer for any silver ions migrating through the capacitor. Likewise, the cathode coating also contains conductive metal particles (e.g., silver particles) that are dispersed within a resinous matrix. The resinous matrix includes a polymer that absorbs only a small amount of water, if any, when placed in a humid atmosphere.

The present invention relates to polymers and copolymer including a poly(phenylene) structure, as well as a long tether. In some embodiments, the long tether facilitates a reaction between the poly(phenylene) structure and another subunit of a second polymer. In some embodiments, the tether is flexible.