Abstract: A method of forming a microphase separated block copolymer includes exposing a block copolymer to acid vapor under conditions effective to provide the microphase separated block copolymer. The block copolymer includes a first hydrophobic block and a second hydrophobic block that is acid-sensitive. The microphase separated block copolymer includes the first hydrophobic block and a hydrophilic block derived from the second hydrophobic block. Exposing the block copolymer to the acid vapor is conducted in the solid state.

Abstract: A method of forming a microphase separated block copolymer includes exposing a block copolymer to acid vapor under conditions effective to provide the microphase separated block copolymer. The block copolymer includes a first hydrophobic block and a second hydrophobic block that is acid-sensitive. The microphase separated block copolymer includes the first hydrophobic block and a hydrophilic block derived from the second hydrophobic block. Exposing the block copolymer to the acid vapor is conducted in the solid state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ion conducting polymer including a partially branched block copolymer; a method of preparing the same; an ion conductor including the ion conducting polymer; an electrolytic membrane including the ion conducting polymer; a membrane-electrode assembly comprising the electrolytic membrane, and a battery comprising the same; and a separation membrane for a redox flow battery including the ion conducting polymer, and a redox flow battery comprising same. Specifically, the partially branched block copolymer includes: a first block including a hydrophilic first polymer; a second block derived from a hydrophobic second polymer having two or more reactive groups respectively on its both ends, in such a way as to form branching points forming side branches on a main chain; and optionally a third block including a hydrophobic third polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, in which the glass transition temperature of an electrolyte membrane is reduced using a hydrophilic solvent, and a membrane-electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, manufactured by the method. In the method of the invention, the glass transition temperature of the electrolyte membrane to which a catalyst is transferred is reduced compared to that in a conventional method for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell using the decal process. Thus, even to an electrolyte membrane material having a relatively high glass transition temperature, the catalyst may be transferred at a rate of 100% at a temperature of about 120° C., at which hot pressing is carried out. Thus, the problems associated with electrolyte membrane deterioration occurring in conventional methods can be solved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ion conducting polymer including a partially branched block copolymer; a method of preparing the same; an ion conductor including the ion conducting polymer; an electrolytic membrane including the ion conducting polymer; a membrane-electrode assembly comprising the electrolytic membrane, and a battery comprising the same; and a separation membrane for a redox flow battery including the ion conducting polymer, and a redox flow battery comprising same. Specifically, the partially branched block copolymer includes: a first block including a hydrophilic first polymer; a second block derived from a hydrophobic second polymer having two or more reactive groups respectively on its both ends, in such a way as to form branching points forming side branches on a main chain; and optionally a third block including a hydrophobic third polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, in which the glass transition temperature of an electrolyte membrane is reduced using a hydrophilic solvent, and a membrane-electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, manufactured by the method. In the method of the invention, the glass transition temperature of the electrolyte membrane to which a catalyst is transferred is reduced compared to that in a conventional method for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell using the decal process. Thus, even to an electrolyte membrane material having a relatively high glass transition temperature, the catalyst may be transferred at a rate of 100% at a temperature of about 120° C., at which hot pressing is carried out. Thus, the problems associated with electrolyte membrane deterioration occurring in conventional methods can be solved.