title: Phosphonium-functionalized polyethylene: a new class of base-stable alkaline anion exchange membranes.
abstract: A tetrakis(dialkylamino)phosphonium cation was evaluated as a functional group for alkaline anion exchange membranes (AAEMs). The base stability of [P(N(Me)Cy)(4)](+) was directly compared to that of [BnNMe(3)](+) in 1 M NaOD/CD(3)OD. The high base stability of [P(N(Me)Cy)(4)](+) relative to [BnNMe(3)](+) inspired the preparation of AAEM materials composed of phosphonium units attached to polyethylene. The AAEMs (hydroxide conductivity of 22 ± 1 mS cm(-1) at 22 °C) were prepared using ring-opening metathesis polymerization, and their stabilities were evaluated in 15 M KOH at 22 °C and in 1 M KOH at 80 °C.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Baker Laboratory, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-1301, USA.
authors.forename: Kevin J T
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Noonan
authors.forename: Kristina M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Hugar
authors.forename: Henry A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Kostalik
authors.forename: Emil B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Lobkovsky
authors.forename: Héctor D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Abruña
authors.forename: Geoffrey W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Coates