Synthesis of a 4-(Trifluoromethyl)-2-Diazonium Perfluoroalkyl Benzenesuflonylimide (PFSI) Zwitterionic Monomer for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Author

Chimaroke Nworie, East Tennessee State UniversityFollow

Degree Name

MS (Master of Science)

Program

Chemistry

Date of Award

5-2014

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Hua Mei

Committee Members

Jeffrey Wardeska, Aleksey Vasiliev

Abstract

In order to achieve a more stable and highly proton conducting membrane that is also cost effective, the perfluoroalkyl benzenesulfonylimides (PFSI) polymers are proposed as electrolyte for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells. 4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-diazonium perfluoro-3, 6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octene benzenesulfonyl imide (I) is synthesized from Nafion monomer via a 5-step schematic reaction at optimal reaction conditions. This diazonium PFSI zwitterionic monomer can be further subjected to polymerization. The loss of the diazonium N₂⁺ functional group in the monomer is believed to form the covalent bond between the PFSI polymer electrolyte and carbon electrodes support. All the intermediates and final products were characterized using ¹H NMR, ¹⁹F NMR and IR spectrometry.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Recommended Citation

Nworie, Chimaroke, "Synthesis of a 4-(Trifluoromethyl)-2-Diazonium Perfluoroalkyl Benzenesuflonylimide (PFSI) Zwitterionic Monomer for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell" (2014). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 2346. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2346

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.