Novel Aromatic Copolymer Comprising Sulphonate-Substituted Naphthalene Repeat Units and Aromatic Phenyl, Biphenyl or Terphenyl Repeat Units, Its Preparation and Use

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This invention introduces a new type of aromatic copolymer that features sulfonate-substituted naphthalene units and meta-linked phenyl, biphenyl, or terphenyl units in its structure. The polymer is produced using relatively simple and cost-effective monomers through established polymerization methods. It is designed specifically for use in separation membranes, such as those used for water desalination, electrolysis, and fuel cells. Importantly, the polymer is fluorine-free, which enhances environmental and health safety.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Ion-exchange membranes for water desalination via reverse osmosis
• Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for fuel cells
• Cation-exchange membranes for chloralkali electrolysis
• Membranes for other electrochemical devices or chemical separations
• Potential use in environmentally friendly, fluorine-free filtration or separation systems

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• High thermal stability, making it suitable for demanding industrial environments
• Fluorine-free composition, reducing environmental and health risks
• Potentially lower production costs due to inexpensive, commercially available monomers and simple synthesis methods
• High and tunable water uptake and proton conductivity, improving membrane performance in key applications
• Good mechanical properties, resulting in durable, less brittle membranes
• Stable performance without leaching of hazardous fluorinated compounds

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a novel copolymer, the method of production thereof and the use thereof for separation membranes. The aromatic copolymer comprises: a) naphthalene repeat units, which are substituted with sulfonic acid, sulfonate and/or sulfonic acid ester groups, and b) aromatic phenylene repeat units selected from phenyl, biphenyl and terphenyl repeat units, wherein at least one of the phenyl rings is meta-linked with each aromatic phenylene repeat unit.