Characterization of sulfonated polystyrene-block-poly(ethyl-ran-propylene)-block-polystyrene copolymer for proton exchange membranes (PEMs)

100th Anniversary of Macromolecular Science Viewpoint: Block Copolymers with Tethered Acid Groups: Challenges and Opportunities

Scientific research on advanced polymer electrolytes has led to the emergence of all-solid-state energy storage/transfer systems. Early research began with acid-tethered polymers half a century ago, and research interest has gradually shifted to high-precision polymers with controllable acid functional groups and nanoscale morphologies. Consequently, various self-assembled acid-tethered block polymer morphologies have been produced. Their ion properties are profoundly affected by the multiscale intermolecular interactions in confinements. The creation of hierarchically organized ion/dipole arrangements inside the block copolymer nanostructures has been highlighted as a future method for developing advanced single-ion polymers with decoupled ion dynamics and polymer chain relaxation. Several emerging practical applications of the acid-tethered block copolymers have been explored to draw attention to the challenges and opportunities in developing state-of-the-art electrochemical systems.

Fabrication of Si negative electrodes for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) using cross-linked polymer binders

Currently, Si as an active material for LIBs has been attracting much attention due to its high theoretical specific capacity (3572 mAh g⁻¹). However, a disadvantage when using a Si negative electrode for LIBs is the abrupt drop of its capabilities during the cycling process. Therefore, there have been a few studies of polymers such as poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) given that the robust structure of a polymeric binder to LIBs anodes is a promising means by which to enhance the performance of high-capacity anodes. These studies essentially focused mainly on modifying of the linear-polymer component or on copolymers dissolved in solvents. Cross-linking polymers as a binder may be preferred due to their good scratch resistance, excellent chemical resistance and high levels of adhesion and resilience. However, because these types of polymers (with a rigid structure and cross-linking points) are also insoluble in general organic solvents, applying these types in this capacity is virtually impossible.

Poly(acrylonitrile-co-styrene sodium sulfonate-co-n-butyl acrylate) terpolymer based cation exchange membrane for water desalination via electrodialysis

One step synthesis of terpolymer-based cation exchange membrane for water desalination via electrodialysis.