Abstract: A unitary humidity exchange cell (HUX) is disclosed that includes at least one composite membrane, disposed between at least one first chamber for flow of the first fluid therethrough and at least one second chamber for flow of the second fluid therethrough. The composite membrane include an at least partially sulfonated humidity-conducting polymer comprising residues derived from at least one arylvinyl monomer; and a reinforcing substrate bonded thereto. The product finds utility in a variety of physical and chemical processes and products whereby moisture or other highly polar liquid or gas transfer, exchange removal or delivery is important. A notable application is the Membrane Energy Recovery Ventilator (MERV) in which both heat and moisture is transferred between two air streams, one intake and one exhaust, from an air-conditioned building.

Abstract: Water- and ion-conducting membranes composed of sulfonated statistical arylvinyl polymers, the arylvinyl polymer comprising at least one arylvinyl monomer and at least one olefin monomer and wherein aromatic moieties derived from the arylvinyl monomer are at least partially sulfonated, are used as proton-conducting membranes for production of electricity, as water-conducting membranes for humidification of fuel gases in fuel cells and heat and moisture exchange in heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems. Water-conducting membranes composed of sulfonated arylvinyl polymers, the arylvinyl polymer comprising at least one arylvinyl monomer and wherein aromatic moieties derived from the arylvinyl monomer are at least partially sulfonated are used for desalination of seawater.

Abstract: Water- and ion-conducting membranes composed of sulfonated statistical arylvinyl polymers, the arylvinyl polymer comprising at least one arylvinyl monomer and at least one olefin monomer and wherein aromatic moieties derived from the arylvinyl monomer are at least partially sulfonated, are used as proton-conducting membranes for production of electricity, as water-conducting membranes for humidification of fuel gases in fuel cells and heat and moisture exchange in heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems. Water-conducting membranes composed of sulfonated arylvinyl polymers, the arylvinyl polymer comprising at least one arylvinyl monomer and wherein aromatic moieties derived from the arylvinyl monomer are at least partially sulfonated are used for desalination of seawater.

Abstract: Ion-conducting membranes for fuel cells are disclosed. The membrane is composed of a hydrogenated and sulfonated statistical copolymer of styrene and butadiene. A preferred membrane is obtained by hydrogenating a copolymer of styrene and butadiene to obtain less than five percent residual unsaturation, then sulfonating the polymer with an acetyl sulfate sulfonation agent to a level of at least 30 mol % percent sulfonate.