| Abstract | Polymer microstructure and morphology are critical to the design of proton exchange membranes for fuel cells, as are synthetic methodologies for accessing well-defined polymers with controlled architectures and molecular weights. In this chapter, the synthesis of vinyl-based polymers bearing strong acid groups is considered, together with ion aggregation, phase separation, water sorption, and proton conductivity. Proton-conducting polymers are distinguished according to their microstructure into subheadings of random, block, and graft copolymers. The formation, dimensions, and connectivity of ionic pathways are consistently found to play a profound role in determining both water sorption and proton conductivity. This chapter addresses the significant research that has been carried out to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of relationships between polymer architecture, morphology, and electrolytic properties. |
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