Preparation and Characterization of Strongly Sulfonated Acid Block and Random Copolymer Membranes for Acetic Acid Esterification with 2-Propanol

Abstract

In this paper, we report the synthesis of block and random copolymers of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and methyl methacrylate (MMA), with different AMPS feed ratios. These solution-processable copolymers with strongly sulfonated acid groups resulted in membranes with tunable ion exchange (IEC) and water absorption capacities. AFM images confirmed the microphase separation of PAMPS-b-PMMA-1:1 block copolymer membrane, annealed under the appropriate conditions. The resulting copolymers from the random combination of a 1:1 molar ratio of AMPS and MMA monomers are effective at enhancing the esterification conversion of acetic acid, when compared with a reaction catalyzed by PAMPS-b-PMMA block copolymers and the previously studied catalytic membranes. With the PAMPS-co-PMMA-1:1 membrane, the esterification reaction using acetic acid achieved 85% isopropyl acetate. These results are closely correlated with the increase in IEC (2.63 mmol H+g−1) and the relationship between weight loss (20.3%) and swelling degree (68%) in 2-propanol.

Advances in Polyvinyl Alcohol-Based Membranes for Fuel Cells: A Comprehensive Review on Types, Synthesis, Modifications, and Performance Optimization

“…Enhancing proton conductivity in PVA membranes often involves combining PVA with other materials possessing acid groups. Examples include poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1propanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS) [161,162], poly(styrene sulfonic acid) [163,164], phosphotungstic acid (PWA) [165], or cross-linking with poly(styrene sulfonic acid-co-maleic acid) [166,167], sulfosuccinic acid (SSA) [168], and poly(acrylic acid) [169]. In addition, an alternate strategy to improving PVA membrane characteristics is to fabricate organic-inorganic composites [170][171][172].…”

Special Issue: Synthesis, Processing, Structure and Properties of Polymer Materials

“…In this Special Issue, 33 original articles have been published on various topics, including the preparation, characterization, and some examples of application of polymeric materials. This issue includes review articles [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ] and research articles [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ].…”

“…The scope of research articles of papers included a Special Issue is very wide. It includes papers on the synthesis and study of the properties of new thermoplastic polymers [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ], obtaining of composites [ 14 , 15 , 16 ], nanocomposites [ 17 , 18 , 19 ], microspheres [ 20 , 21 ], polymeric blends [ 22 , 23 , 24 ], hydrophobic nanostructures [ 25 ], polymeric membranes [ 26 , 27 ], hydrogels [ 28 ] and others [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ].…”

“…In the paper of Rosiles-González et al [ 27 ], the authors reported the synthesis of block and random copolymers of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and methyl methacrylate (MMA), with different AMPS feed ratios. These solution-processable copolymers with strongly sulfonated acid groups resulted in membranes with tunable ion exchange and water absorption capacities.…”