Abstract: A proton conducting hydrocarbon-based polymer has acid groups on side chains attached to the main chain, where the acid groups are between 7 and 12 atoms away from the main chain. Another polymer includes a semi-fluorinated aromatic hydrocarbon main chain and side chains that include at least one —CF2— group and an acid group. Another polymer includes an aromatic hydrocarbon main chain and side chains that include at least one —CH2-CF2— group and an acid group. Another aromatic polymer includes acid groups attached to both the main chain and the side chains where less than about 65 weight percent of the acid groups are attached to the side chains. Another aromatic polymer includes side chains attached to the main chain that include at least one aryl ring, and acid groups attached to both the main chain and to the aryl groups. Another polymer includes an aliphatic hydrocarbon main chain, side chains that include at least one deactivating aryl ring, and acid groups attached to the deactivating aryl rings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for pre-concentrating gaseous vapors for analysis. The invention finds application in conjunction with, e.g., analytical instruments where low detection limits for gaseous vapors are desirable. Vapors sorbed and concentrated within the bed of the apparatus can be thermally desorbed achieving at least partial separation of vapor mixtures. The apparatus is suitable, e.g., for preconcentration and sample injection, and provides greater resolution of peaks for vapors within vapor mixtures, yielding detection levels that are 10-10,000 times better than for direct sampling and analysis systems. Features are particularly useful for continuous unattended monitoring applications.