POLYMER ELECTROLYTES CROSSLINKED BY ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

摘要

A method is provided for making a crosslinked polymer electrolyte, typically in the form of a membrane for use as a polymer electrolyte membrane in an electrolytic cell such as a fuel cell, as well as the polymer so made, the method comprising application of ultraviolet radiation to a highly fluorinated fluoropolymer comprising: a backbone derived in part from tetrafluoro-ethylene monomer, first pendent groups which include a group according to the formula -SO₂X, where X is F, Cl, Br, OH or -O^-M⁺, where M⁺ is a monovalent cation, and second pendent groups which include Br, Cl or I. Typically, the membrane has a thickness of 90 microns or less, more typically 60 or less, and most typically 30 microns or less.