Novel electrolyte membranes synthesized by radiation graft polymerization and polymeric transformation of functional groups

Takahashi, Shuichi; Maekawa, Yasunari; Hagiwara, Tokio*; Okonogi, Hiroyuki*

Aliphatic vinyl monomers, like acrylatic acid derivatives or vinyl ketones, were grafted by -ray irradiation on a poly(ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) film. Then, novel electrolyte membranes, which possess alkyl sulfonic acids on grafted chain, were synthesized by polymeric transformation of functional groups. The electrolyte membranes prepared by the above approach showed higher heat-stability in the wet condition compared to the electrolyte membranes with sulfonated styrene grafted membranes.