Polybenzimidazole compounds, polymeric media, and methods of post-polymerization modifications

US7309758B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC · US

Inventors

• John R. Klaehn · Idaho Falls, US
• Eric S. Peterson · Idaho Falls, US
• Christopher J. Orme · Firth, US
• Michael G. Jones · Pocatello, US
• Alan K. Wertsching · Idaho Falls, US
• Thomas A. Luther · Matthews, US
• Tammy L. Trowbridge · Idaho Falls, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 19, 2004
• Grant date: Dec 18, 2007
• Expiry date: Nov 8, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C08G73/18
• WIPO field: Macromolecular chemistry, polymers
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A PBI compound includes imidazole nitrogens at least a portion of which are substituted with a moiety containing a carbonyl group, the substituted imidazole nitrogens being bonded to carbon of the carbonyl group. At least 85% of the nitrogens may be substituted. The carbonyl-containing moiety may include RCO—, where R is alkoxy or haloalkyl. The PBI compound may exhibit a first temperature marking an onset of weight loss corresponding to reversion of the substituted PBI that is less than a second temperature marking an onset of decomposition of an otherwise identical PBI compound without the substituted moiety. The PBI compound may be included in separatory media. A substituted PBI synthesis method may include providing a parent PBI in a less than 5 wt % solvent solution. Substituting may use more than 5 equivalents in relation to the imidazole nitrogens to be substituted.