CROSS-LINKED HIGH STABLE ANION EXCHANGE BLEND MEMBRANES WITH POLYETHYLENEGLYCOLS AS HYDROPHILIC MEMBRANE PHASE

Abstract

The invention relates to:—anion exchange blend membranes consisting the following blend components:—a halomethylated polymer (a polymer with —(CH2)x—CH2—Hal groups, Hal=F, CI, Br, I; x=0-12), which is quaternised with a tertiary or a n-alkylated/n-arylated imidazole, an N-alkylated/N-arylated benzimidazole or an N-alkylated/N-arylated pyrazol to form an anion exchanger polymer. - an inert matrix polymer in which the anion exchange polymer is embedded and which is optionally covalently crosslinked with the halomethylated precursor of the anion exchanger polymer,—a polyethyleneglycol with epoxide or halomethyl terminal groups which are anchored by reacting with N—H-groups of the base matrix polymer using convalent cross-linking—optionally an acidic polymer which forms with the anion-exchanger polymer an ionic cross-linking (negative bound ions of the acidic polymer forming ionic cross-linking positions relative to the positive cations of the anion-exchanger polymer)—optionally a sulphonated polymer (polymer with sulphate groups —SO2Me, Me=any cation), which forms with the halomethyl groups of the halomethylated polymer convalent crosslinking bridges with sulfinate S-alkylation. The invention also relates to a method for producing said membranes, to the use of said membranes in electrochemical energy conversion processes (e.g. Redox-flow batteries and other flow batteries, PEM-electrolyses, membrane fuel cells), and in other membrane methods (e.g. electrodialysis, diffusion dialysis).

Claims

1. Anion-exchange blend membrane, characterized in that it consists of the following blend components: a halomethylated polymer with functional groups —(CH.sub.2).sub.x—CH.sub.2Hal (Hal=F, Cl, Br, I; x=0-12) reacted with a tertiary amine or an alkylated imidazole or an alkylated pyrazole or an alkylated benzimidazole to quaternize cationic functional groups a basic or neutral non-fluorinated or partially fluorinated inert matrix polymer a polyethylene glycol with epoxy or halomethyl end groups at one or both ends of the chain optionally a polymer having acidic functional groups SO.sub.3M, PO.sub.3M.sub.2 or COOM (M=any cation) optionally with a polymer containing sulfinate groups SO.sub.2M (M=any Cation).

2. Anion-exchange blend membrane according to claim 1, characterized in that are used as the halomethylated polymers polymers with CH.sub.2Br or with CH.sub.2Cl groups.

3. Anion-exchange blend membrane according to claim 1, characterized in that the following classes of polymers are preferred as halomethylated polymers: Polyvinylbenzyl chloride (chloromethylated polystyrene) and its copolymers with any other polymers Chloromethylated poly (a-methylstyrene) and its copolymers with any other polymers Halomethylated aryl main chain polymers, such as halomethylated Polyketones, halomethylated polyether ketones, halomethylated polysulfones, halomethylated polyethersulfones, halomethylated polyethers, halomethylated Polyphenylphosphine oxides or halomethylated polyphenylphosphine oxide ethers with the following building groups (polymer backbone): Aromatic building blocks (shown without CH.sub.2Hal- groups, which are bound to these building blocks): ##STR00008## ##STR00009## Cation-exchange groups Y: ##STR00010## Bridging groups Z: ##STR00011##

4. Anion-exchange blend membrane according to claim 1, characterized in that as tertiary amines or alkalized imidazoles or alkylated pyrazoles or alkylated benzimidazoles, the following sterically hindered compounds are preferred: ##STR00012##

5. Anion exchange blend membrane according to claim 1, characterized in that basic polymers such as polyimides, polyetherimides, polybenzimidazoles, polybenzoxazoles, polybenzotriazoles or partially fluorinated polymers such as polyvinyl fluoride or polyvinylidene fluoride or partially fluorinated polystyrenes are preferred as the matrix polymer.

6. Anion exchange blend membrane according to claim 1, characterized in that the polyethylene glycols (PEG), which are used as a hydrophilic membrane component, carry as end groups at both chain ends epoxide groups or halomethyl CH.sub.2Hal (Hal=F, Cl, Br, I) and have molecular masses of 200 daltons (corresponds to about 4 —CH.sub.2—CH.sub.2—O— units) up to 12,000 daltons (equivalent to about 200 —CH.sub.2—CH.sub.2—O— units), with PEGs having molecular masses between 500 and 6,000 daltons being preferred: ##STR00013##

7. Anion exchange blend membrane according to claim 1, characterized in that aryl main chain polymers which comprise the families of aromatic polyethers, polyketones, polyether ketones, polysulfones, polyethersulfones, polyphenylphosphine oxides, polyphenylphosphine oxide ethers and thioethers, polythioethersulfones having the building groups of claim 3 are preferred as polymers having acidic functional groups

8. Anion-exchange blend membrane according to claim 1, characterized in that the sulfonate group SO.sub.3M is preferred as the acidic functional group (M=any cation)

9. Anion exchange membrane according to claim 1, characterized in that the polymer carrying the sulfinate functional groups SO.sub.2M has one of the aryl main chains (polymer backbone) listed in claim 7 (M=any cation).

10. Process for the preparation of the anion exchange blend membranes according to the invention according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists of the following process steps: The polymeric blend components (halomethylated polymer, matrix polymer (eg, polybenzimidazole), epoxide or halomethyl terminated polyethylene glycol, optionally sulfonated polymer, and/or sulfinated polymer) are used together in a dipolar aprotic solvent or in a mixture of various dipolar aprotic solvents (Examples: N, N-dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidinone, N-ethylpyrrolidinone, dimethylsulfoxide sulfolane); the polymer solutions are doctored or cast on a support (glass plate, metal plate, plastic film, etc.), and the solvent is evaporated in a circulating air dryer or a vacuum oven at temperatures between room temperature and 150° C.; the polymer film formed is removed from the backing and aftertreated as follows: 1) in a 10-50% solution of the tertiary amine or N-monoalkylated (benz) imidazole or N-monoalkylated pyrazole in an alcohol (preferably ethanol or 2-propanol) or in water or a water/alcohol mixture at temperatures from room temperature to the boiling point of the solvent for a period of 24-72 hours; 2) demineralized water at T=room temperature to T=90° C. for a period of 24-72 hours; 3) 10% aqueous NaCl solution at T=room temperature to T=90° C. for a period of 24-72 hours; 4) DI water at T=room temperature to T=90° C. for a period of 24-72 hours.

11. Process for the preparation of the inventive anion-exchange blend membranes according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists of the following process steps: The polymeric blend components (halomethylated polymer, matrix polymer (eg, polybenzimidazole), epoxide or halomethyl terminated polyethylene glycol, optionally sulfonated polymer, and/or sulfinated polymer) are used together in a dipolar aprotic solvent or in a mixture of various dipolar aprotic solvents (Examples: N, N-dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidinone, N-ethylpyrrolidinone, dimethylsulfoxide sulfolane); the tertiary amine or the N-monoalkylated (benz) imidazole or N-monoalkylated pyrazole is added either in bulk or dissolved in a dipolar aprotic solvent in a molar excess of 50-200%, based on the concentration of halomethyl groups, to the solution; the polymer solutions are doctored or cast on a support (glass plate, metal plate, plastic film, etc.), and the solvent is evaporated in a circulating air dryer or a vacuum oven at temperatures between room temperature and 150° C.; the polymer film formed is removed from the support and aftertreated as follows: 1) optionally in a 10-50% solution of the tertiary amine or N-monoalkylated (benz) imidazole or N-monoalkylated pyrazole in an alcohol (preferably ethanol or 2-Propanol) or in water or a water/alcohol mixture at temperatures from room temperature to the boiling point of the solvent for a period of 24-72 hours; 2) demineralized water at T=room temperature to T=90° C. for a period of 24-72 hours; 3) 10% aqueous NaCl solution at T=room temperature to T=90° C. for a period of 24-72 hours; 4) DI water at T=room temperature to T=90° C. for a period of 24-72 hours.

12. A process for the preparation of the inventive anion-exchange blend membranes according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists of the following process steps: All components of the polymer blend are dissolved separately in a dipolar aprotic solvent or a mixture of different dipolar aprotic solvents; the various solutions are combined in the desired mass ratio, and then with the resulting blend solution after homogenization as in claim 11 further.

13. Use of the membranes according to claim 1 in membrane processes, especially in low temperature PEM fuel cells, PEM medium temperature fuel cells, PEM electrolysis, SO.sub.2 depolarized electrolysis, redox flow batteries, other flow batteries, electrodialysis, diffusion dialysis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and pressure-retarded osmosis.

14. Use of the membranes according to claim 1 as a component of sensors, electrodes, secondary batteries, fuel cells, alkaline fuel cells or membrane electrode units.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 shows the chloride conductivities of the membranes 2175 and 2176 in the temperature range between 30 and 90° C. with a constant relative humidity of 90%.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows the chloride conductivity of the membrane 2176 before and after 10, 20 and 30 days incorporation in 1M KOH in a temperature range of 30 to 90° C. and a relative humidity of 90%.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows the TGA curves of membranes 2175 and 2176 before and after 10 days treatment in 1M KOH at 90° C.

[0027] FIG. 4 shows the TGA curves of membrane 2176 before and after 10, 20 and 30 days treatment in 1M KOH at 90° C.

[0028] FIG. 5 shows the chloride conductivity of the membrane 2190A before and after 10 days storage in 1M KOH in the temperature range 30-90° C. at a relative humidity of 90%.

[0029] FIG. 6 shows the TGA curves of membrane 2190A before and after 10 days storage in 1M KOH at 90° C.

[0030] FIG. 7 shows the chloride conductivity of the membrane 2215 before and after 10 days storage in 1M KOH in the temperature range 30-90° C. at a relative humidity of 90%.

[0031] FIG. 8 shows the TGA curves of membrane 2215 before and after 10 days storage in 1M KOH at 90° C.

[0032] FIG. 9 shows the chloride conductivity of the membrane 2179B before and after 10 days storage in 1M KOH in the temperature range 30-90° C. at a relative humidity of 90%.

[0033] FIG. 10 shows the chloride conductivity of the membrane 2216 before and after 10 days storage in 1M KOH in the temperature range 30-90° C. at a relative humidity of 90%.

[0034] FIG. 11 shows the chloride conductivity of the commercial anion exchange membrane Tokuyama A201 in the temperature range 30-80° C. at a relative humidity of 90%.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Surprisingly, it has been found that in anion-exchange blend membranes composed of the following blend components:

[0036] A halomethylated polymer quaternized with a sterically hindered tertiary nitrogen compound (a polymer having —(CH2)x—CH2—Hal groups, Hal=F, Cl, Br, I; x=0-12, for example chloromethylated polystyrene or bromomethylated polyphenylene oxide.

[0037] Examples of sterically hindered tertiary nitrogen compounds are:

##STR00001##

[0038] Examples for halomethylated polymers are:

##STR00002##

[0039] A matrix polymer, for example a basic polybenzimidazole; Examples of basic matrix polymers are:

##STR00003##

[0040] Optionally a sulfonated aryl polymer as an ionic macromolecular crosslinker (ionic crosslinking with the basic functional groups of the matrix polymer and with the anion exchange groups of the quaternized halomethylated polymer.

[0041] Examples of sulfonated aryl polymers are:

##STR00004##

[0042] Optionally a sulfonated polymer as a covalent macromolecular crosslinker whose sulfinate groups undergo covalent crosslinking via the sulfinate-S-alkylation with the halomethyl groups of the halomethylated polymer. As an example, the covalent crosslinking reaction between a sulfonated and a halomethylated polymer is shown:

##STR00005##

[0043] The addition of a hydrophilic linear polyethylene glycol bearing functional groups on both chain ends which can undergo nucleophilic substitutions with the basic functional groups of the matrix polymer (examples: epoxide groups, halomethyl groups) and thereby covalently anchored in the blend membrane which leads to the following property enhancements of the anion exchange blend membranes: [0044] 1. To a significant increase in the anion conductivity towards the previously measured with best for anion exchange membranes conductivity values; [0045] 2. to a significant improvement in the chemical stability in strongly alkaline solutions even at elevated temperatures (for example, 1 molar aqueous KOH solution at 90° C.); [0046] 3. covalent crosslinking by the epoxide-terminated polyethylene glycols, which leads to a reduction in the swelling and thus to an improvement in the mechanical stability.

[0047] The crosslinking reaction of the polyethylene glycols with the basic groups of the matrix polymers is schematically illustrated below for the reaction of an epoxide group-terminated polyethylene glycol with the imidazole group moieties of a polybenzimidazole:

##STR00006##

[0048] Surprisingly, it has furthermore been found that the membrane properties such as conductivity and thermal and chemical stability, in particular stability in strongly alkaline solutions such as aqueous potassium hydroxide solution or sodium hydroxide solution can be further improved by a sulfinated polymer optionally added to the blend mixture. In particular, it has surprisingly been found that the sulfinate groups of the sulfinated polymer are capable of reaction with epoxy or halomethyl end groups of the polyethylene glycol, presumably under sulfinate S-alkylation of the sulfinate groups by the epoxide or halomethyl groups. The reaction of the sulfinate groups of the sulfinated polymer with the epoxide end groups of the polyethylene glycol are shown below:

##STR00007##

[0049] The anion-exchange blend membranes (AEBM) according to the invention can be obtained by means of three process routes: [0050] 1. The polymeric blend components (halomethylated polymer, matrix polymer (eg polybenzimidazole), polyethylene glycol with epoxide or halomethyl end groups, optionally sulfonated polymer and/or sulfinated polymer) are co-agitated in a dipolar aprotic solvent or in a mixture of different dipolar aprotic solvents (examples: N, N-dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidinone, N-ethylpyrrolidinone, dimethylsulfoxide, sulfolane). Thereafter, the polymer solutions are doctored or cast on a support (glass plate, metal plate, plastic film, etc.), and the solvent is evaporated in a circulating air dryer or a vacuum oven at temperatures between room temperature and 150° C. Thereafter, the polymer film formed is removed from the backing and aftertreated as follows: 1) in a 10-50% solution of the tertiary amine or N-monoalkylated (benz) imidazole or N-monoalkylated pyrazole in an alcohol (preferably ethanol or 2-propanol) or in water or a water/alcohol mixture at temperatures from room temperature to the boiling point of the solvent for a period of 24-72 hours; 2) demineralized water at T=room temperature to T=90° C. for a period of 24-72 hours; 3) 10% aqueous NaCl solution at T=room temperature to T=90° C. for a period of 24-72 hours; 4) DI water at T=room temperature to T=90° C. for a period of 24-72 hours. [0051] 2. The polymeric blend components (halomethylated polymer, matrix polymer (eg polybenzimidazole), polyethylene glycol with epoxide or halomethyl end groups, optionally sulfonated polymer and/or sulfinated polymer) are co-mixed in a dipolar aprotic solvent or in a mixture of different dipolar aprotic solvents (examples: N, N-dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidinone, N-ethylpyrrolidinone, dimethylsulfoxide,sulfolane). Thereafter, the tertiary amine or the N-monoalkylated (benz) imidazole or N-monoalkylated pyrazole is added either in bulk or dissolved in a dipolar aprotic solvent in a molar excess of 50-200%, based on the concentration of halomethyl groups, to the solution, thereafter, the polymer solutions are doctored or cast on a support (glass plate, metal plate, plastic film, etc.), and the solvent is evaporated in a circulating air dryer or a vacuum oven at temperatures between room temperature and 150° C. Thereafter, the polymer film formed is removed from the support and aftertreated as follows: 1) optionally in a 10-50% solution of the tertiary amine or N-monoalkylated (benz) imidazole or N-monoalkylated pyrazole in an alcohol (preferably ethanol or 2-Propanol) or in water or a water/alcohol mixture at temperatures from room temperature to the boiling point of the solvent for a period of 24-72 hours; 2) demineralized water at T=room temperature to T=90° C. for a period of 24-72 hours; 3) 10% aqueous NaCl solution at T=room temperature to T=90° C. for a period of 24-72 hours; 4) DI water at T=room temperature to T=90° C. for a period of 24-72 hours. [0052] 3. All components of the polymer blend are separately dissolved in a dipolar aprotic solvent or a mixture of different dipolar aprotic solvents. Thereafter, the various solutions are combined in the desired mass ratio, and then continue with the resulting blend solution after homogenization as in the items 1) or 2).

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Example 1: AEM Blends of PVBCI, PBIOO, a Sulfonated Polyethersulfone (SAC098, See Description) Tetramethylimidazole for Quaternization of PVBCI and an Epoxide-Terminated Polyethylene Glycol (Membranes MJK2175 and MJK2176)

Membrane Production and Aftertreatment

[0053] 12 g of a 10% by weight solution of polyvinylbenzyl chloride (ALDRICH product no. 182532, structure see FIG. 2) in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) are mixed with 6 g of a 33.3% by weight solution of 1,2,4,5-tetramethyl-1H-imidazole (TCI Product No. T0971, see FIG. 1 for structure), 6.7 g of a 10% by weight solution of PBIOO (manufacturer FumaTech, structure see FIGS. 3) and 2.67 g of a 10% by weight solution of a sulfonated polyethersulfone (SAC098, IEC=1.8 meq SO3H/g, see description) mixed in DMAc. In the case of membrane 2175, 0.25 g of epoxide-terminated polyethylene glycol (molecular mass 500 daltons, ALDRICH product no. 475696) are added to this mixture after homogenization, in the case of membrane 2176 0.25 g of epoxide-terminated polyethylene glycol (Molecular mass 6000 daltons, ALDRICH product no. 731803). After homogenization, the polymer solutions are doctored on a glass plate. Thereafter, the solvent is evaporated in a convection oven at 130° C. for a period of 2 hours. The polymer films are then removed under water and after-treated as follows: [0054] At 60° C. for 24 hours in a 10% by weight solution of tetramethylimidazole in ethanol; [0055] At 90° C. for 48 hours in a 10 wt % solution of NaCl in water; [0056] At 60° C. for 48 hours in deionised water; [0057] Parts of the membranes are placed in an aqueous 1M KOH solution for a period of 10 days at a temperature of 90° C. *.

[0058] Membrane characterization:

[0059] Membrane 2175: [0060] ion exchange capacity before/after KOH treatment * [meq OH-/g membrane]:2.92/2.96; [0061] Conductivity before/after KOH treatment * (Cl- form, measured in 0.5N NaCl at room temperature) [S/cm]: 29.3/72.7; [0062] Water uptake at 25° C. before/after KOH treatment * [%]: 367/324; [0063] Gel content after extraction in DMAc at 90° C. before/after KOH treatment * [%]: 97.6/100.

[0064] Membrane 2176: [0065] ion exchange capacity before/after KOH treatment * [meq OH-/g membrane]: 2.79/2.84; [0066] Conductivity before/after KOH treatment * (Cl- form, measured in 0.5N NaCl at room temperature) [S/cm]: 21.6/69.9; [0067] Water uptake at 25° C. before/after KOH treatment * [%]: 370/313;

[0068] Gel content after extraction in DMAc at 90° C. before/after KOH treatment * [%]: 97.4/97.

Comparison of Characterization Results of Membranes 2175 and 2176

[0069] Remarkable and surprising in the two membranes 2175 and 2176 of this application example was that the conductivity of the membranes after 10 days of KOH treatment was significantly higher than before the KOH treatment. Because of this surprising finding, the chloride conductivities were measured in another impedance measurement stand as a function of the temperature in a temperature range between 30 and 90° C. at a constant relative humidity of 90%. The chloride conductivity vs. temperature curves of the two membranes 2175 and 2176 are shown in FIG. 1. It shows, that: [0070] 1. both membranes have nearly equal conductivity curves; [0071] 2. even under these conditions, the conductivities measured after 10 days of KOH incorporation were significantly higher than before, although the molecular masses of the epoxide-terminated polyethylene glycols (PEG) used in membrane production are very different (2175: PEG molecular mass 500 daltons; 2176: PEG molecular mass 6000 daltons).

[0072] The gel content of the membranes of almost 100% surprisingly shows a complete formation of the network of these anion exchange blend membranes. Due to the excellent membrane stabilities, the storage time of membrane 2176 in 1M KOH at 90° C. was extended by a further 20 days to a total of 30 days, and the membrane chloride conductivity was determined experimentally after a total of 20 days and after a total of 30 days in the temperature range from 30 to 90° C. under a relative humidity of 90%. FIG. 2 shows the chloride conductivities of the membrane 2176 before and after 10, 20 and 30 days incorporation in 1M KOH in the temperature range from 30 to 90° C. There was a surprising development: after 10 days, the conductivity of the membrane was greatly increased over before the KOH treatment, and then decreased to a slightly lower level after 20 days compared to before the KOH treatment. This value then no longer changed in the time interval between 20 and 30 days storage in KOH. Since the thermogravimetry (TGA) studies of the membranes can also give indications of degradation processes in the membranes, for the two membranes 2175 and 2176 TGA curves were recorded before and after the KOH treatment. FIG. 3 shows the TGA curves of membranes 2175 and 2176 before and after 10 days of treatment in 1M KOH at 90° C. From the TGA curves of both membranes no conclusions can be drawn on degradation processes in KOH solution, since the TGA curves of both membranes before and after 10 days of KOH treatment are almost congruent.

[0073] To determine if in 2176 membrane degradation occurs during the KOH long-term stability test of the membrane, TGA curves of the 2176 were recorded before and after 10, 20 and 30 days of incorporation in KOH. These TGA curves are shown in FIG. 4. From FIG. 4, it can be seen that the TGA curves of all 4 samples are nearly congruent up to a temperature of about 430° C., from which one can conclude that the 2176 still shows no sign of significant degradation even after 30 days of incorporation into KOH which confirms the results of the conductivity tests.

Example 2: AEM Blend of PVBCI, PBIOO, a Sulfonated Polyethersulfone (SAC098, See Description), Tetramethylimidazole for Quaternization of the PVBCI and an Epoxide-Terminated Polyethylene Glycol Having a Lower AEM Content than in Application Example 1 but the Same Molar Ratio between PBIOO and PEG-Diepoxid 6000 (Membrane MJK2190A)

Membrane Production and Aftertreatment

[0074] 12 g of a 10% by weight solution of polyvinylbenzyl chloride (ALDRICH product no. 182532, structure as described) in N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) are mixed with 6 g of a 33.3% by weight solution of 1,2,4,5 -Tetramethyl-1H-imidazole (TCI product no. T0971, structure see description), 10.34 g of a 10 wt % solution of PBIOO (manufacturer FumaTech, structure see description) and 2.67 g of a 10 wt % solution of a sulfonated polyethersulfone (SAC098, IEC=1.8 meq SO3H/g, structure see description) mixed in DMAc. After homogenization, 0.386 g of epoxide-terminated polyethylene glycol (molecular mass 6000 daltons, ALDRICH product no. 731803) are added to this mixture. After homogenization, the polymer solution is doctored onto a glass plate. Thereafter, the solvent is evaporated in a convection oven at 130° C. for a period of 2 hours. The polymer film is then removed under water and after-treated as follows: [0075] At 60° C. for 24 hours in a 10% strength by weight solution of tetramethylimidazole in ethanol; [0076] At 90° C. for 48 hours in a 10 wt % solution of NaCl in water; [0077] At 60° C. for 48 hours in deionised water;

[0078] Part of the membrane is placed in an aqueous 1M KOH solution for a period of 10 days at a temperature of 90° C. *.

[0079] Membrane characterization: [0080] ion exchange capacity before/after KOH treatment * [meq OH-/g membrane]: 2.1/2.7; [0081] Conductivity before/after KOH treatment * (Cl- form, measured in 0.5N NaCl at room temperature) [S/cm]: 14.3/16.3; [0082] Water absorption at 25° C. before/after KOH treatment * [%]: 67/90.5; [0083] Gel content after extraction in DMAc at 90° C. before KOH treatment [%]: 95.9.

[0084] As with the membranes 2175 and 2176, the chloride conductivity was also determined in this membrane as a function of the temperature between 30 and 90° C. at a relative humidity of 90%. The conductivity curves are shown in FIG. 5. Surprisingly, the conductivity of the 2190A membrane also increases during KOH treatment. In order to determine the thermal stability of the membrane and possible degradation processes in the membrane, TGA curves of the membrane were recorded before and after 10 days of KOH treatment. The TGA curves are shown in FIG. 6. Also in this membrane, the TGA curves before and after 10 days of KOH treatment almost congruent, at least up to a temperature of about 350° C., indicating that after 10 days of incorporation in 1M KOH at 90° C. still no significant degradation of the membranes has taken place.

Example 3: AEM Blend of PVBCI, F6PBI, a Sulfonated Partially Fluorinated Aromatic Polyether (SFS001, See Description), Tetramethylimidazole for Quaternization of the PVBCI and a Double-Sidedly Epoxide-Terminated Polyethylene Glycol Having a Molecular Mass of 2000 Daltons (Membrane MJK2215)

Membrane Production and Aftertreatment

[0085] 3 g of a 20% by weight solution of polyvinylbenzyl chloride (ALDRICH product no. 182532, structure see FIG. 2) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) are mixed with 3 g of a 33.3% by weight solution of 1,2,4,5-tetramethyl 1H-imidazole (TCI Product No. T0971, see FIG. 1 structure), 10.34 g of a 5% by weight solution of F6PBI (see structure in description) in DMSO and 1.11 g of a 10% by weight solution of a sulfonated partially fluorinated aromatic Polyether (SFS001) in SO3Li form (IEC=2.39 meq SO3H/g, structure see description) mixed in DMSO. After homogenization, 0.193 g of epoxide-terminated polyethylene glycol (molecular mass 2000 daltons, ALDRICH product no. 731811) are added to this mixture. After homogenization, the polymer solution is doctored onto a glass plate. Thereafter, the solvent is evaporated in a convection oven at 140° C. for a period of 2 hours. The polymer film is then removed under water and after-treated as follows: [0086] At 60° C. for 24 hours in a 10% strength by weight solution of tetramethylimidazole in ethanol; [0087] At 90° C. for 48 hours in a 10 wt % solution of NaCl in water; [0088] At 60° C. for 48 hours in deionised water;

[0089] Part of the membrane is placed in an aqueous 1M KOH solution for a period of 10 days at a temperature of 90° C. *.

[0090] Membrane characterization: [0091] ion exchange capacity before/after KOH treatment * [meq OH-/g membrane]: 2.37/2.7; [0092] Conductivity before/after KOH treatment * (Cl- form, measured in 0.5N NaCl at room temperature) [S/cm]: 37.2/29.2; [0093] Water uptake at 25° C. before/after KOH treatment * [%]: 56.7/68; [0094] Gel content after extraction in DMAc at 90° C. before KOH treatment [%]: 92.7.

[0095] As with the membranes 2175 and 2176 as well as 2190A, the chloride conductivity was also determined in this membrane as a function of the temperature between 30 and 90° C. at a relative humidity of 90%. The conductivity curves are shown in FIG. 7. Again, as in the previous examples, the chloride conductivity after 10d storage in 1M KOH at 90° C. is higher than before. In order to determine the thermal stability of the membrane and possible degradation processes in the membrane, TGA curves of the membrane were recorded before and after 10 days of KOH treatment. The TGA curves are shown in FIG. 8. Also in this membrane, the TGA curves before and after 10 days of KOH treatment almost congruent, at least up to a temperature of about 350° C., indicating that after 10 days of incorporation in 1M KOH at 90° C. still no significant degradation of the membranes has taken place.

Comparative Example 1: AEM Blend of PVBCI, PBIOO, a Sulfonated Polyethersulfone (SAC098, See Description), Tetramethylimidazole for Quaternization of the PVBCI with the Same Calculated IEC as the Membranes MJK2175 and MJK2176, but without PEG Diglycidyl Ether (Membrane 2179B)

Membrane Production and Aftertreatment

[0096] 6 g of a 10% by weight solution of polyvinylbenzyl chloride (ALDRICH product no. 182532, structure see description) in DMSO are mixed with 2.2 g of a 33.3% by weight solution of 1,2,4,5-tetramethyl-1H- Imidazole (TCI product no. T0971, see structure for description) in DMAc, 4.6 g of a 10% strength solution of PBIOO (manufacturer FumaTech, structure see description) in DMAc and 1.335 g of a 10% by weight solution of a sulfonated polyethersulfone (SAC098, IEC=1.8 meq SO3H/g, structure see description) mixed in DMAc. After homogenization, the polymer solutions are doctored on a glass plate. Thereafter, the solvent is evaporated in a convection oven at 140° C. for a period of 2 hours. The polymer films are then removed under water and after-treated as follows: [0097] At 60° C. for 24 hours in a 10% strength by weight solution of tetramethylimidazole in ethanol; [0098] At 90° C. for 48 hours in a 10 wt % solution of NaCl in water; [0099] At 60° C. for 48 hours in deionised water; [0100] Parts of the membranes are placed in an aqueous 1M KOH solution for a period of 10 days at a temperature of 90° C. *.

[0101] Membrane characterization: [0102] ion exchange capacity before/after KOH treatment * [meq OH-/g membrane]: 2.5/2.64; [0103] Conductivity before/after KOH treatment * (Cl- form, measured in 0.5N NaCl at room temperature) [S/cm]: 10.7/15.9; [0104] Water uptake at 25° C. before/after KOH treatment * [%]: 63/87;

[0105] Gel content after extraction in DMAc at 90° C. before KOH treatme.nt * [%]: 94.2

[0106] If these data are compared with those of membranes 2175 and 2176, the following results: [0107] The Cl- conductivity is much lower than in the two membranes of the invention. This shows what a positive influence the addition of a hydrophilic PEG phase has to the membrane; [0108] Water uptake is significantly lower than at 2175 and 2176. This can be explained by the lower hydrophilicity of the control membrane.

[0109] Since the Cl conductivity of the 2179B was higher in conductivity measurement at room temperature and in 0.5N NaCl as at 2175 and 2176 after the KOH treatment, the impedance of the 2179B was again measured in dependence of the temperature at a relative humidity of 90%. The conductivity curve of the 2179B under these conditions is shown in FIG. 9. Here, it is found that, as in the impedance measurement at room temperature in 0.5M NaCl, the chloride conductivity is much lower than that of the 2175 and 2176 containing a PEG phase and that the impedance after KOH treatment is significantly lower than before. Since at 2175 and 2176 the chloride conductivity was higher after 10d KOH treatment than before, on the one hand shows the conductivity-increasing effect and on the other hand, the stabilizing effect of the presence of a PEG microphase in the blend AEMs.

Comparative Example 2: AEM Blend of PVBCI, F6PBI, a Sulfonated Partially Fluorinated Polyether (SFS001, See Description), Tetramethylimidazole for Quaternization of PVBCI with the Same Calculated IEC as the Membrane MJK2215, but without PEG Diglycidyl Ether (Membrane 2216).

Membrane Production and Aftertreatment

[0110] 3 g of a 20% by weight solution of polyvinylbenzyl chloride (ALDRICH product no. 182532, structure as described) in DMSO are mixed with 3 g of a 33.3% by weight solution of 1,2,4,5-tetramethyl-1H-imidazole (TCI Product No. T0971, structure see description) in DMSO, 14.2 g of a 5 wt % solution of F6PBI (structure see description) in DMSO and 1.1 g of a 10 wt % solution of the sulfonated polyether SFS001 (IEC=2.39 meq SO3H/g, structure see description) mixed in DMSO. After homogenization, the polymer solutions are doctored on a glass plate. Thereafter, the solvent is evaporated in a convection oven at 140° C. for a period of 2 hours. The polymer film is then removed under water and after-treated as follows: [0111] At 60° C. for 24 hours in a 10% strength by weight solution of tetramethylimidazole in ethanol; [0112] At 90° C. for 48 hours in a 10 wt % solution of NaCl in water; [0113] At 60° C. for 48 hours in deionised water; [0114] Parts of the membranes are placed in an aqueous 1M KOH solution for a period of 10 days at a temperature of 90° C.

[0115] Membrane characterization: [0116] ion exchange capacity before/after KOH treatment * [meq OH-/g membrane]: 2.48/2.7; [0117] Conductivity before/after KOH treatment (Cl- form, measured in 0.5N NaCl at room temperature) [S/cm]: 7.4/8.2; [0118] Water absorption at 25° C. before/after KOH treatment [%]: 44/33; [0119] Gel content after extraction in DMAc at 90° C. before KOH treatment * [%]: 95.7.

[0120] If these data are compared with those of the membrane 2215, the following results: [0121] The Cl- conductivity at room temperature in 0.5N NaCl is significantly lower than in the inventive membrane 2215. This shows the positive influence of the addition of a hydrophilic PEG phase has to the membrane. [0122] The water absorption is significantly lower than at 2215. This can be explained by the lower hydrophilicity of the control membrane.

[0123] Since the Cl conductivity of the 2216 was higher in the conductivity measurement at room temperature and in 0.5N NaCl as in 2215 after the KOH treatment, the impedance of the 2215 was again measured as a function of the temperature at a relative humidity of 90%. measured. The conductivity curve of the 2215 under these conditions is shown in FIG. 10. Here it can be seen that, as in the impedance measurement at room temperature in 0.5M NaCl, the chloride conductivity is much lower than in the 2215 containing a PEG phase, and that the impedance after the KOH treatment is significantly lower than before. Comparative Example 2 shows, as in Comparative Example 1, on the one hand, the conductivity-increasing effect and, on the other hand, the stabilizing effect of the presence of a PEG microphase in the blend AEMs.

Comparative Example 3: Commercial Anion Exchange Membrane A201 (Development Code A006) of the Manufacturer Tokuyama

[0124] The structure of this membrane is company secret. The anion exchange group of this membrane is the trimethylammonium group. But it is obviously a cross-linked membrane because the extraction of the membrane gave a gel content of 95%.

[0125] Membrane characterization: [0126] Ion exchange capacity [meq OH/g membrane]: 1.7; [0127] Conductivity (Cl- form, measured in 1 N NaCl at room temperature) [S/cm]: 12; [0128] Water absorption at 30° C. [%]: 19; [0129] Gel content after extraction in DMAc at 90° C. before KOH treatment * [%]: 95; [0130] Conductivity (Cl- form, measured at 90° C. and 90% relative humidity, after 10d incorporation in 1M KOH at 90° C.): 21% of the original conductivity.

[0131] This commercial membrane is thus much less stable in 1M KOH at 90° C. compared to the membranes of the invention. In addition, the chloride conductivity of this membrane is substantially lower than most of the membranes of this invention listed as examples in this chapter. The chloride conductivity of the A201 in the temperature range of 30 to 80° C. at 90% relative humidity is shown in FIG. 11.

Comparative Example 4: Commercial Anion Exchange Membrane FAB from the Manufacturer Fuma-Tech

[0132] The structure of this membrane is company secret. But it is obviously a cross-linked membrane, as the extraction of the membrane gave a gel content of 93.3%.

[0133] Membrane characterization: [0134] Ion exchange capacity before/after 10d in 1M KOH at 90° C. [meq OH-/g membrane]: 0.88/0.89; [0135] Conductivity before/after 10d in 1M KOH at 90° C. (Cl- form, measured in 1 N NaCl at room temperature) [S/cm]: 4/3.2; [0136] Water absorption at room temperature/at 90° C. ° C. [%]: 12.1/13.2;

[0137] Gel content after extraction in DMAc at 90° C. before/after KOH treatment * [%]: 93.3/97.

[0138] The chloride conductivity of this membrane is substantially lower than that of most of the membranes of this invention listed as examples, which is also (among others) because this membrane is fabric-reinforced.