ORGANOSILANE, IONIC ORGANOSILANE, MEMBRANCE COMPOSITION AND MEMBRANE

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Anion exchange membranes are useful in various electrochemical cells such as, for example, fuel cells, electrolyzers, batteries, and electrodialysis cells. Previous anion exchange membranes have been prepared from various copolymers having cationic, nitrogen-containing groups. These copolymers have been prepared, for example, by reacting styrene-co-4-vinylbenzyl chloride copolymers with various nitrogen-containing bases to provide corresponding quaternary ammonium groups. Typical membranes formed in this manner have inadequate mechanical strength for uses such as those described above. For example, the membranes often are brittle and have low tensile strength. JP 2015 129204 A discloses compounds used for resin material in membranes.SUMMARY

[0002] Toughening and improved elongation are desirable in anion exchange membranes used in carbon dioxide or water electrolysis, fuel cells, flow batteries, and similar electrochemical devices. The present disclosure provides ionic organosilanes suitable for inclusion in membrane polymers that may overcome the above-referenced deficiencies of anion exchange membranes.

[0003] Polymers are commonly toughened by adding an impact modifier such as a silicone which forms a low T g second phase. However, in an electrochemical membrane, such an inert second phase occupies volume, does not contribute to conductivity, and thus decreases conductivity per unit volume relative to the same polymer without the additive. In addition, silicones may be chemically unstable even under mildly alkaline conditions.

[0004] Ionic organosilanes described in the present disclosure improve membrane elongation to break and toughness, with an unexpected combination of the benefits of carrying functionality that contributes to conductivity, and chemical stability under alkaline conditions.

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a dihaloorganosilane represented by the formula: wherein: each X independently represents Cl, Br, or I; each Ar 1< independently represents a phenylene group optionally substituted by 1 to 4 alkyl groups selected from methyl or ethyl; each R 1< independently represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms; each R 2< independently represents methyl or ethyl; each R 3< independently represents an alkylene group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms; each R 4< independently represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms; and n is an integer in a range of 0 to 5, inclusive.

[0006] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an ionic organosilane represented by the formula: wherein: each X independently represents Cl, Br, or I; each Ar 1< independently represents a phenylene group optionally substituted by 1 to 4 alkyl groups selected from methyl or ethyl; each R 1< independently represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms; each R 2< independently represents methyl or ethyl; each R 3< independently represents an alkylene group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms; each R 4< independently represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms; each R 5< independently represents H or methyl; each R 6< independently represents alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or allyl; and n is an integer in a range of 0 to 5, inclusive.

[0007] In yet another, the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a membrane composition comprising components: (a) a copolymer comprising the divalent monomer units: (i) and (ii) wherein: R 5< represents H or methyl; R 6< represents alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or allyl; and X represents Cl, Br, or I, and wherein monomer unit (i) and monomer unit (ii) are present in a respective mole ratio of 1.5:1 to 3:1; and (b) an ionic organosilane compound represented by the formula: wherein: each Ar 1< independently represents a phenylene group optionally substituted by 1 to 4 alkyl groups selected from methyl or ethyl; each R 1< independently represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms; each R 2< independently represents methyl or ethyl; each R 3< independently represents an alkylene group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms; each R 4< independently represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms; each R 5< independently represents H or methyl; each R 6< independently represents alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or allyl; and n is an integer in a range of 0 to 5, inclusive; and wherein component (a) and component (b) are present in a respective weight ratio in a range of 99.5:0.5 to 98:2.

[0008] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a membrane comprising a membrane composition according to the present disclosure.

[0009] As used herein: "monomer unit" refers to the largest constitutional unit contributed by a single monomer molecule to the structure of a polymer. "phenylene" generically refers to a divalent benzene ring; o-phenylene has the formula: m-phenylene has the formula: and p-phenylene has the formula:

[0010] Features and advantages of the present disclosure will be further understood upon consideration of the detailed description as well as the appended claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONOrganosilane

[0011] The ionic organosilane can be synthesized from a precursor organosilane represented by the formula: wherein each of the various groups is independently selected as previously defined.

[0012] Throughout this specification: Each X independently represents Cl, Br, or I. Cl is typically preferred. Each Ar 1< independently represents a phenylene group optionally substituted by 1 to 4 alkyl groups selected from methyl or ethyl. The phenylene group may comprise o-, m-, or p-phenylene. p-Phenylene is typically preferred. Each R 1< independently represents an alkylene group (i.e., divalent) having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 8 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 or 3 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 2 carbon atoms. Exemplary alkylene groups include ethylene, propylene, butylene, isobutylene, pentylene, hexylene, octylene, decylene, dodecylene, tetradecylene, hexadecylene, and octadecylene. Each R 2< independently represents methyl or ethyl, preferably methyl. Each R 3< independently represents an alkylene group (i.e., divalent) having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 8 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Exemplary alkylene groups include methylene, ethylene, propylene, butylene, isobutylene, pentylene, hexylene, octylene, decylene, dodecylene, tetradecylene, hexadecylene, and octadecylene. Each R 4< independently represents an alkylene group (i.e., divalent) having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 10 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 8 carbon atoms. Exemplary alkylene groups include ethylene, propylene, butylene, isobutylene, pentylene, hexylene, octylene, decylene, dodecylene, tetradecylene, hexadecylene, and octadecylene. Each n is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.

[0013] Precursor organosilanes can be made, for example, by a hydrosilation coupling of a dihydridocarbosilane with a halomethyl-substituted aralkene using a hydrosilylation catalyst (e.g., a Pt catalyst such as H 2 PtCl 6 or Karstedt's catalyst) according to the reaction scheme below: wherein Ar 1< , R 1< -R 4< , X, and n are as previously defined.

[0014] Exemplary dihydridocarbosilanes include 1,1,4,4,-tetramethyl-1,4-disilabutane, 1,1,4,4,-tetraethyl-1,4-disilabutane, 1,1-dimethyl-4,4-dimethyl-1,4-disilabutane, 1,1,6,6-tetramethyl-1,6-disilahexane, 1,1,8,8-tetramethyl-1,4-disilaoctane, 1,1,10,10-tetramethyl-1,10-disiladecane, 1,1,12,12-tetramethyl-1,12-disiladodecane, 1,1,16,16-tetramethyl-1,16-disilahexadecane, 1,1,18,18-tetramethyl-1,18-disilaoctadecane, 1,1,12,12,20,20-hexamethyl-1,12,20-trisilaeicosane. Dihydridocarbosilanes can be made by reduction of corresponding chlorocarbosilanes using lithium aluminum hydride, for example, according to conventional methods.

[0015] Suitable dihydridocarbosilanes and / or their dichlorinated precursor counterparts may be synthesized by known methods and / or obtained from a commercial supplier; for example, Gelest Inc., Morrisville,Pennsylvania; ABCR, Karlsruhe, Germany; Alfa Aesar, Chennai, India; and TCI America, Portland, Oregon.

[0016] Exemplary halomethylphenylalkenes include p-chloromethylstyrene, p-bromomethylstyrene, p-iodomethylstyrene, m-chloromethylsytrene, o-chloromethylstyrene, p-allyl(chloromethyl)benzene, m-allyl(chloromethyl)benzene, o-allyl(chloromethyl)benzene, 4-chloromethyl-2-methylstyrene, 4-chloromethyl-3-methylstyrene, p-chloromethyl-2-propenylbenzene, and p-(chloromethyl)-1-buten-4-yl-benzene. Halomethylphenylalkenes can be obtained from commercial vendors such as, for example, Millipore-Sigma, Saint Louis, Missouri, or TCI America, Portland, Oregon, and / or synthesized by known methods.Ionic Organosilane

[0017] The dihaloorganosilane discussed above can be converted into the ionic organosilane by reaction with an appropriate imidazole. Typically, the reaction is carried out by combining the dihaloorganosilane and an imidazole in solvent with optional heating.

[0018] Suitable imidazoles include 1-allylimidazole, 1-allyl-2-methylimidazole, 1-allyl-4-methylimidazole, 1-allyl-5-methylimidazole, 1-allyl-2,4-dimethylimidazole, 1-allyl-2,5-dimethylimidazole, 1-allyl-4,5-dimethylimidazole, 1-allyl-2,4,5-trimethylimidazole, 1-methylimidazole, 1,2-dimethylimidazole, 1,4-dimethyllimidazole, 1,5-dimethylimidazole, 1,2,4-trimethylimidazole, 1,2,5-trimethylimidazole, 1,2,4,5-tetramethylimidazole, 1-ethylimidazole, 1-propylimidazole, 1-butylimidazole, 1-isobutylimidazole, 1-ethyl-2-methylimidazole, 1-ethyl-4-methylimidazole, 1-ethyl-5-methylimidazole, 1-ethyl-2,4-dimethylimidazole, 1-ethyl-2,5-dimethylimidazole, 1-ethyl-2,4,5-trimethylimidazole, 1-propyl-2-methylimidazole, 1-propyl-4-methylimidazole, 1-propyl-5-methylimidazole, 1-propyl-2,4-dimethylimidazole, 1-propyl-2,5-imethylimidazole, 1-propyl-2,4,5-trimethylimidazole, 1-butyl-2-methylimidazole, 1-butyl-4-methylimidazole, 1-butyl-5-methylimidazole, 1-butyl-2,4-dimethylimidazole, 1-butyl-2,5-imethylimidazole, and 1-butyl-2,4,5-trimethylimidazole. Suitable imidazoles can be obtained from commercial chemical suppliers such as, for example, Millipore Sigma and / or synthesized by conventional methods.Membrane Composition

[0019] The membrane composition comprises components: (a) a copolymer comprising the divalent monomer units: (i) and (ii) and (b) ionic organosilane according to the present disclosure, wherein R 1< to R 6< , X, and n are as previously defined.

[0020] Component (a) may be prepared by reaction of a copolymer of styrene and p-chloromethylstyrene (or p-bromomethylstyrene) with an imidazole that is functionalized with appropriate groups R 5< and R 6< , for example, in the same manner as in the case of the preparation of the ionic organosilane discussed above. Conversion of the chloromethyl groups may be partially or essentially complete.

[0021] p-Chloromethylstyrene and styrene are commercially available or can be synthesized by conventional methods and can be copolymerized in essentially any ratio using conventional free-radical polymerization techniques (e.g. using a thermal free-radical initiator such as a peroxide). Alternatively, many copolymers of styrene and p-chloromethylstyrene (also known as 4-vinylbenzyl chloride) are available from commercial chemical suppliers. The respective molar ratio of monomer unit (i) to monomer unit (ii) is 60:40 (i.e., 1.5 to 1) to 75:25, or 60:40 to 70:30, preferably 65:35 to 70:30.Membrane

[0022] The membrane composition can be formed into a membrane by any suitable technique including, for example, solvent casting. For example, any membrane thickness up to about one millimeter may be made in this manner. Other methods and membrane thicknesses may also be used. Membranes according to the present disclosure may be useful, for example, as anion exchange membranes for electrolyzers, electrodialysis cells, fuel cells, and flow batteries.SELECT EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0023] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a dihaloorganosilane represented by the formula: wherein X, Ar 1< , R 1< , R 2< , R 3< , R 4< and n are as previously defined.

[0024] In a second embodiment, the present disclosure provides a dihaloorganosilane according to the first embodiment, wherein each R 1< independently represents an alkylene group having 2 or 3 carbon atoms.

[0025] In a third embodiment, the present disclosure provides a dihaloorganosilane according to the first or second embodiment, wherein each R 3< independently represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0026] In a fourth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a dihaloorganosilane according to any of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein n = 0 or 1.

[0027] In a fifth embodiment, the present disclosure provides an ionic organosilane represented by the formula: wherein X, Ar 1< , R 1< , R 2< , R 3< , R 4< , R 5< , R 6< and n are as previously defined.

[0028] In an sixth embodiment, the present disclosure provides an ionic organosilane according to the seventh embodiment, wherein each R 1< independently represents an alkylene group having 2 or 3 carbon atoms.

[0029] In a seventh embodiment, the present disclosure provides an ionic organosilane according to the seventh or eighth embodiment, wherein each R 3< independently represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0030] In an eighth embodiment, the present disclosure provides an ionic organosilane according to any of the seventh to tenth embodiments, wherein n= 0 or 1.

[0031] In a ninth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a membrane composition comprising components: (a) a copolymer comprising the divalent monomer units: (i) and (ii) wherein: R 5< represents H or methyl; R 6< represents alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or allyl; and X represents Cl, Br, or I, and wherein monomer unit (i) and monomer unit (ii) are present in a respective mole ratio of 1.5:1 to 3:1; and (b) an ionic organosilane compound represented by the formula: wherein: each Ar 1< independently represents a phenylene group optionally substituted by 1 to 4 alkyl groups selected from methyl or ethyl; each R 1< independently represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms; each R 2< independently represents methyl or ethyl; each R 3< independently represents an alkylene group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms; each R 4< independently represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms; each R 5< independently represents H or methyl; each R 6< independently represents alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or allyl; and n is an integer in a range of 0 to 5, inclusive; and wherein component (a) and component (b) are present in a respective weight ratio in a range of 99.5:0.5 to 98:2.

[0032] In a tenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a membrane composition according to the thirteenth embodiment, wherein each R 1< independently represents an alkylene group having 2 or 3 carbon atoms.

[0033] In a eleventh embodiment, the present disclosure provides a membrane composition according to the thirteenth or fourteenth embodiment, wherein each R 3< independently represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0034] In a twelfth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a membrane composition according to any of the thirteenth to fifteenth embodiments, wherein each R 4< independently represents an alkylene group having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms.

[0035] In a thirteenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a membrane composition according to any of the ninth to twelfth embodiments, wherein n= 0 or 1.

[0036] In a fourteenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a membrane composition according to any of the ninth to thirteenth embodiments, wherein R 6< represents alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0037] In a fifteenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a membrane comprising a membrane composition according to any one of ninth to fourteenth embodiments.

[0038] Objects and advantages of this disclosure are further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples, but the particular materials and amounts thereof recited in these examples, as well as other conditions and details, should not be construed to unduly limit this disclosure.EXAMPLES

[0039] Unless otherwise noted, all parts, percentages, ratios, etc. in the Examples and the rest of the specification are by weight. Table 1, below, reports materials used in the Examples. TABLE 1MATERIALABBREVIATIONDESCRIPTION4-Vinylbenzyl chlorideVBCproduct no. 436887 from Millipore Sigma, St. Louis, Missouri1,1,4,4-Tetramethyl-1,4-disilabutane-product no. SIT7537.0 from Gelest, Inc., Morrisville, Pennsylvania1,7-Octadiene-product no. L07659 from Alfa Aesar, Ward Hill, MassachusettsPlatinum divinyltetramethyldisiloxane complex-product no. SIP6830.3 from Gelest, Inc.TetramethylimidazoleTMIMproduct no. T0971 from TCI America, Portland, Oregon1,2-DimethylimidazoleDMIMproduct no. B23544 from Alfa AesarN-AllylimidazoleN-Allyl IMproduct no. L11053 from Alfa AesarMethoxypropanolMPobtained from Alfa Aesar1N Potassium hydroxide solution < 1 ppm metalsKOHobtained from J. T. Baker, Baker Analyzed Reagent, VWR Scientific, Radnor, PennsylvaniaDeuterated acetonitrileCD 3 CNobtained from Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc., Andover, MassachusettsDeuterated dimethylformamide-D7d 7 -DMFobtained from Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc.Deuterated tetrahydrofuran-D8d 8 -THFobtained from Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc. Preparation of Organosilane OS1:

[0040]

[0041] Platinum divinyltetramethyldisiloxane complex (1 drop, 2.1-2.4 wt. % Pt in xylene) was added to a solution of 1,1,4,4-tetramethyl-1,4-disilabutane (4.40 g, 0.030 mol) and vinylbenzyl chloride (9.17 g, 0.060 mol) in toluene (60 mL). After an initial exotherm, the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 days, and toluene was removed in vacuo to give the product shown above as a colorless oil.Preparation of Organosilane OS2:

[0042]

[0043] Platinum divinyltetramethyldisiloxane complex (1 drop, 2.1-2.4 wt.% Pt in xylene) was added to a solution of 1,1,4,4-tetramethyl-1,4-disilabutane (8.80 g, 0.060 mol), 1,7-octadiene (3.30 g, 0.0.03 mol) and vinylbenzyl chloride (9.17g, 0.060 mol) in toluene (40 mL). After an initial exotherm, the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 days, and toluene was removed in vacuo to give the unpurified product as a viscous liquid.Synthesis of Membrane Composition E1:

[0044] A 250-mL 3-necked round bottom flask equipped with magnetic stirring, heating mantle, thermocouple, and inlet for nitrogen blanketing was charged with 10 g styrene / vinylbenzyl chloride copolymer (S / VBC, composition 63.1 mol% styrene, 36.9 mol% VBC, M n = 55-60 kg / mole, polydispersity 1.3), a mixture of tetramethylimidazole (3.27 g, 26.3 mmol), organosilane OS1 (0.15 g, 0.664 mmol benzyl chloride, 1.1 wt. % of total solids) to a total of 0.85 equiv. base to 1 equiv. benzyl chloride (contributed by copolymer and carbosilane), and 1-methoxy-2-propanol (26.8 g). The mixture was stirred at 70 °C for 48 hr, resulting in a pale yellow solution.Synthesis of Membrane Composition E2:

[0045] A 250-mL 3-necked round bottom flask equipped with magnetic stirring, heating mantle, thermocouple, and inlet for nitrogen blanketing was charged with 10 g styrene / vinylbenzyl chloride copolymer (S / VBC, composition 63.1 mol % styrene, 36.9 mol % VBC, M n = 55-60 kg / mole, polydispersity 1.3), a mixture of tetramethylimidazole (3.33 g, 26.8 mmol), organosilane OS1 (0.29 g, 1.288 mmol benzyl chloride, 2.1 wt. % of total solids) to a total of 0.85 equiv. base to 1 equiv. benzyl chloride (contributed by copolymer and carbosilane), and 1-methoxy-2-propanol (26.8 g). The mixture was stirred at 70 °C for 48 hr, resulting in a pale yellow solution.Synthesis of Membrane Composition E3:

[0046] A 250-mL 3-necked round bottom flask equipped with magnetic stirring, heating mantle, thermocouple, and inlet for nitrogen blanketing was charged with 10 g styrene / vinylbenzyl chloride copolymer (S / VBC, composition 63.1 mol % styrene, 36.9 mol % VBC, M n = 55-60 kg / mole, polydispersity 1.3), a mixture of tetramethylimidazole (3.24 g, 26.1 mmol), organosilane OS2 (0.15 g, 0.424 mmol benzyl chloride, 1.1 wt. % of total solids) to a total of 0.85 equiv. base to 1 equiv. benzyl chloride (contributed by copolymer and carbosilane), and 1-methoxy-2-propanol (26.8 g). The mixture was stirred at 70 °C for 48 hr, resulting in a pale yellow solution.Synthesis of Membrane Composition CE1

[0047] A 250-mL 3-necked round bottom flask equipped with magnetic stirring, heating mantle, thermocouple, and inlet for nitrogen blanketing was charged with 10 g styrene / vinylbenzyl chloride copolymer (S / VBC, composition 63.1 mol % styrene, 36.9 mol % VBC, M n = 55-60 kg / mole, polydispersity 1.3), tetramethylimidazole (3.19g, 25.7 mmol) to a total of 0.85 equiv. base to 1 equiv. benzyl chloride (contributed by copolymer only), and 1-methoxy-2-propanol (26.8g). The mixture was stirred at 70 °C for 48 hr, resulting in a pale yellow solution.Synthesis of Membrane Composition CE2

[0048] A 250-mL 3-necked round bottom flask equipped with magnetic stirring, heating mantle, thermocouple, and inlet for nitrogen blanketing was charged with 10 g styrene / vinylbenzyl chloride copolymer (S / VBC, composition 63.1 mol% styrene, 36.9 mol% VBC, M n = 55-60 kg / mole, polydispersity 1.3), a mixture of tetramethylimidazole (3.33g, 26.8 mmol), control organosilane 1,1,4,4-tetramethyl-1,4-disilabutane (0.15g, 1.1 wt. % of total solids, no benzyl chloride functionality) to a total of 0.88 equiv. base to 1 equiv. benzyl chloride (contributed by copolymer only), and 1-methoxy-2-propanol (26.8g). The mixture was stirred at 70 °C for 48 hr, resulting in a pale yellow solution.Synthesis of Membrane Composition CE3

[0049] A 250-mL 3-necked round bottom flask equipped with magnetic stirring, heating mantle, thermocouple, and inlet for nitrogen blanketing was charged with 10 g styrene / vinylbenzyl chloride copolymer (S / VBC, composition 63.1 mol% styrene, 36.9 mol% VBC, M n = 55-60 kg / mole, polydispersity 1.3), a mixture of tetramethylimidazole (3.33g, 26.8 mmol), control organosilane,1,4,4-tetramethyl-1,4-disilabutane (0.29g, 2.1 wt. % of total solids, no benzyl chloride functionality) to a total of 0.88 equiv. base to 1 equiv. benzyl chloride (contributed by copolymer only), and 1-methoxy-2-propanol (26.8g). The mixture was stirred at 70 °C for 48 hr, resulting in a pale yellow solution.EXAMPLES E4-E5 AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES CE4-CE5

[0050] Membrane polymers composed of dimethylimidazole (E4, CE4) and N-allylimidazole (E5, CE5) were synthesized in respective procedures analogous to those described for tetramethylimidazole (E1 and CE1).MEMBRANE PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATIONPreparation of Membranes

[0051] Membranes (reported in Table 2) were prepared by coating 30-33 weight percent solids ionomer solutions on to a release liner with a polyethylene terephthalate backing coated with an acrylic-based release layer as described in U. S. Patent No. 7,816,477 (Suwa et al.). Membranes were coated using a BYK BYKO-drive automatic applicator (Gardco) at a speed setting of 1 inch / sec (2.54 cm / sec) and with a notch bar applicator having a 10 mil (0.01 inch, 0.254 mm) gap, and then dried in a forced air oven at 80 °C for 30 minutes. Measured dry coating thicknesses were in the range of 45-52 microns. TABLE 2MEMBRANE / MEMBRANE COMPOSITIONCOMPOSITIONCONVERSION, %ION EXCHANGE CAPACITY, mmol / g of quaternary ammonium groupsE1TMIM-derived ionic polymer; 1 wt. % Organosilane OS1781.96E2TMIM Ionic polymer; 2 wt. % Organosilane OS1771.97E3TMIM-derived ionic polymer; 1 wt. % Organosilane OS2781.95CE1TMIM Ionic polymer control741.95CE2TMIM Ionic polymer; 1 wt. % Control carbosilane781.98CE3TMIM Ionic polymer; 2 wt. % Control carbosilane771.97E4DMIM Ionic polymer; 1 wt% Organosilane OS1781.98CE4DMIM Ionic polymer control801.98E5N-Allyl IM Ionic polymer; 1 wt. % Organosilane OS1782.03CE5N-Allyl IM Ionic polymer control732.03 Tensile Testing of Membranes

[0052] The tensile stress-strain behavior of wet membranes was examined at a constant strain rate of 2 mm / second. Samples were removed from the release liner and soaked in aqueous 1M KOH solution for 24 hours at room temperature, thoroughly washed with deionized water, cut into 1.00 cm x 4.00 cm strips, and tested in a fully hydrated state using a TA XTPlus Texture Analyzer (Texture Technologies, Hamilton, MA). Four strips were cut and tensile tested for each membrane. The mean value from the four replicates is reported in Table 3. Dimensions of the membranes (x, y, z) were measured before and after the alkali soak in order to calculate swelling values.

[0053] The results show that loadings of 1 wt. % ionomeric organosilane OS1 are optimal to increase elongation at break and toughness for TMIM, DMIM and allyl IM membrane polymers (E1, E4, E5) relative to membrane polymers of comparable ION EXCHANGE CAPACITY (IEC) that do not carry carbosilane (CE1, CE4, CE5). The results also show that a loading of 1 wt. % ionomeric organosilane OS2 increases elongation at break and toughness for a TMIM membrane polymer (E3) relative to a membrane polymer of comparable ION EXCHANGE CAPACITY (IEC) that does not carry carbosilane (CE1). A 2 wt. % loading of ionomeric organosilane OS1 does not confer the same benefit at comparable IEC (E2), nor does a non-ionomeric control carbosilane at comparable IEC and wt. % loading (CE2, CE3). TABLE 3MEMBRANEELONGATION AT BREAK, %STRESS AT BREAK, MPaMODULUS, MPaDIMENSIONAL SWELL (x, y),DIMENSIONAL SWELL (z),E11393.1214258E2902.4194052E31043.0223443CE1963.0214049CE2782.5173240CE3141.6213021E4723.5193037CE4453.0233026E5913.7192627CE5576.9642022 Conductivity Testing of Membranes

[0054] Ionic conductivity was measured using a 4-probe BekkTech BT-110 conductivity clamp (Scribner Associates, Inc., Southern Pines, NC) and a VMP3 Multi-channel potentiostat (Bio-Logic Science Instruments, Seyssinet-Pariset, France). A dry membrane sample in the chloride form (1.40 cm x 4.00 cm) was assembled under two platinum wires, and the clamp was immersed into 18 megaohms deionized water for 2 hours before measurement to hydrate and swell the membrane. A current-voltage curve was recorded by applying a linear voltage sweep from an open circuit voltage (OCV) to 0.3 V first, then to -0.3 V, and finally back to OCV at 10 mV / second scan rate. Ionic conductivity was calculated from the slope of the resulting current-voltage curve using the measured dry membrane size and thickness, and an ionic conductivity clamp constant of 0.425 cm. TABLE 4MEMBRANECONDUCTIVITY IN CL -< FORM, mS / cmE120.6E2---E3---CE120.3CE2---CE3---E420.5CE418.5E519.0CE517.1

Claims

1. A dihaloorganosilane represented by the formula: wherein: each X independently represents Cl, Br, or I; each Ar1 independently represents a phenylene group optionally substituted by 1 to 4 alkyl groups selected from methyl or ethyl; each R1 independently represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms; each R2 independently represents methyl or ethyl; each R3 independently represents an alkylene group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms; each R4 independently represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms; and n is an integer in a range of 0 to 5, inclusive.

2. The dihaloorganosilane of claim 1, wherein each R1 independently represents an alkylene group having 2 or 3 carbon atoms.

3. The dihaloorganosilane of claim 1, wherein each R3 independently represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms.

4. The dihaloorganosilane of claim 1, wherein n = 0 or 1.

5. An ionic organosilane represented by the formula: wherein: each X independently represents Cl, Br, or I; each Ar1 independently represents a phenylene group optionally substituted by 1 to 4 alkyl groups selected from methyl or ethyl; each R1 independently represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms; each R2 independently represents methyl or ethyl; each R3 independently represents an alkylene group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms; each R4 independently represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms; each R5 independently represents H or methyl; each R6 independently represents alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or allyl; and n is an integer in a range of 0 to 5, inclusive.

6. The ionic organosilane of claim 5, wherein each R1 independently represents an alkylene group having 2 or 3 carbon atoms.

7. The ionic organosilane of claim 5, wherein each R3 independently represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms.

8. The ionic organosilane of claim 5, wherein n = 0 or 1.

9. A membrane composition comprising components: (a) a copolymer comprising the divalent monomer units: (i) and (ii) wherein: R5 represents H or methyl; R6 represents alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or allyl; and X represents Cl, Br, or I, and wherein monomer unit (i) and monomer unit (ii) are present in a respective mole ratio of 1.5:1 to 3:1; and (b) an ionic organosilane compound represented by the formula: wherein: each Ar1 independently represents a phenylene group optionally substituted by 1 to 4 alkyl groups selected from methyl or ethyl; each R1 independently represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms; each R2 independently represents methyl or ethyl; each R3 independently represents an alkylene group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms; each R4 independently represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 18 carbon atoms; and n is an integer in a range of 0 to 5, inclusive; and wherein component (a) and component (b) are present in a respective weight ratio in a range of 99.5:0.5 to 98:2.

10. The membrane composition of claim 9, wherein each R1 independently represents an alkylene group having 2 or 3 carbon atoms.

11. The membrane composition of claim 9, wherein each R3 independently represents an alkylene group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms.

12. The membrane composition of claim 9, wherein each R4 independently represents an alkylene group having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms.

13. The membrane composition of claim 9, wherein n = 0 or 1.

14. The membrane composition of claim 9, wherein R6 represents alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

15. A membrane comprising the membrane composition of claim 9.