No abstract

Charge transfer through the bulk and across the electrode interfaces is of fundamental importance for use of polymers in energy devices. Protons or lithium ions are transported by means of a solvent or solvating groups incorporated in the polymer, without which no charge can be passed. Typically the solvent groups for protons are water and carbonates or ethylene oxide units for lithium ions. The choice of a good solvent for transport through the bulk membrane may not be the best for charge transfer at the interfaces. This chapter describes efforts to develop alternative solvation methods particularly for proton transfer in fuel cells where the reduction of dependence on external humidification is a major goal. The design, synthesis and characterization of proton conducting polymers containing heterocylic Kerr-polymer Materials.docxPrinted 7/11/2012 2 bases and phosphonic acids will be described. The roles of the solvating groups, molecular architecture and morphology of the polymers is discussed.

not Available.