Phase Separated Methylated Polybenzimidazole (O‐PBI) Based Anion Exchange Membranes

Methylated polybenzimidazole (O‐PBI) based anion exchange membranes with a degree of methylation of ca. 78% were prepared in the iodide, chloride, carbonate, bicarbonate, and hydroxide form. Swelling in water showed a high anisotropy for chloride and carbonate exchanged membranes and a strong plasticizing effect of water was confirmed by DMA. Carbonate and bicarbonate exchanged membranes revealed an ionomer peak around 0.25 Å − 1 in SAXS measurements suggesting a phase separated morphology. Theoretical DFT calculations were used to characterize geometries and electronic structure of polymer models and interactions with different anions, and to rationalize the water uptake/swelling behavior.