Ion-Containing Membranes from Microemulsion Polymerization

Ion-containing membranes were constructed using a single-step microemulsion polymerization. In addition to conventional characterization, their ionic conductivities were assessed by alternating current impedance spectroscopy. The ionic conductivities of the membranes are in the range of (2−3) × 10-3 S/cm and are much higher than conventional PEO-type polymer electrolytes, or about 1 order of magnitude lower than that of perfluorosulfonate ionomers. The main conducting mechanism for the membrane is related to the existence of the aqueous phase. Further improvement on the conductivity of the membrane is in progress.