Proton-conducting electrolyte membranes based on aromatic condensation polymers

The results of investigations in the field of development and applications of proton-conducting electrolyte membranes based on aromatic condensation polymers are analysed and summarised. Primary attention is paid to the properties of the starting polymers, such as the thermal stability, water uptake and proton conductivity. General approaches to the preparation of aromatic condensation polymers with high proton conductivity are considered, including sulfonation, synthesis from monomers containing sulfonic acid groups, incorporation of alkylsulfonated substituents and formation of acid-basic polymer complexes. The bibliography includes 115 references. © 2002 Russian Academy of Sciences and Turpion Ltd.