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.

Aspects of the present disclosure generally describe polyarylether ketones and methods of use. In some aspects, a composition includes one or more polymers of formulae (I), (II), or (III): ##STR00001## ##STR00002##

The invention relates to a process for preparing bromine-containing polymer, comprising a Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction of tetrabromoxylylene dihalide, or tetrabromoxylylene dihalide in combination with pentabromobenzyl halide, with a reactant having one or more six-membered aromatic rings, wherein the reaction takes place in a solvent in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst, and isolating from the reaction mixture the bromine-containing polymer. The so-formed polymers and their use as flame retardants form additional aspects of the invention.

Hydroxide-exchange membranes (HEMs) and hydroxide-exchange ionomers (HEIs) are provided which include polymers with oxidation resistant groups. The attachment of the oxidation resistant groups to the polymer backbone allows fine-tuning of the mechanical properties of the membrane and incorporation of alkaline stable cations, such as imidazoliums, phosphoniums and ammoniums, and provides enhanced stability to the polymer. HEMs/HEIs formed from these polymers exhibit superior chemical stability, anion conductivity, decreased water uptake, good solubility in selected solvents, and improved mechanical properties in an ambient dry state as compared to conventional HEM/HEIs. The HEMs exhibit enhanced stability in a highly oxidative environment.

Aspects of the present disclosure generally describe polyarylether ketones and methods of use. In some aspects, a composition includes one or more polymers of formula (IV): ##STR00001##

A process for producing a polymer includes polymerizing a monomer system containing a compound of formula: ArOArC(O)XC(O)ArOAr in a reaction medium containing a Lewis acid. In the formula, X is an aliphatic moiety, and Ar is an aromatic moiety. The reaction medium further includes a dielectrophile. The dielectrophile is a compound of formula: L-(O)CArC(O)-L, in which L is a leaving group.

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 for manufacturing 1,4-bis(4-phenoxybenzoylbenzene), including: providing a reactant mixture including terephthaloyl chloride, diphenyl ether and a Lewis acid in a solvent; reacting terephthaloyl chloride with diphenyl ether, so as to obtain a product mixture including a 1,4-bis(4-phenoxybenzoylbenzene)-Lewis acid complex; wherein the 1,4-bis(4-phenoxybenzoylbenzene)-Lewis acid complex is dissolved in the solvent at a 1,4-bis(4-phenoxybenzoylbenzene) weight concentration in the solvent which is higher than the saturation limit of the 1,4-bis(4-phenoxybenzoylbenzene)-Lewis acid complex during at least part of the step of reacting terephthaloyl chloride with diphenyl ether.

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.

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.