Isoprene-styrene-based copolymers were synthesized by surfactant-free controlled radical polymerization, an environmentally friendly and scalable technique, and tested for their gas transport properties in correlation to the commercial poly(4-methyl-1-pentene). These newly developed copolymers could find promising applications in terms of hydrogen applications.

Abstract

The application of isoprene-styrene-based copolymers synthesized via surfactant-free controlled radical polymerization in the area of hydrogen research is presented. The polymers were synthesized in the laboratory and on a pilot scale and tested for their gas transport properties in correlation with the already known commercial poly(4-methyl-1-pentene). The results indicated that the new materials could have applications in terms of hydrogen applications due to the comparable permeability of hydrogen and, in some cases, increased selectivity of hydrogen over oxygen. Further future work will indicate how the new polymers will be utilized.