| abstract |
A block copolymer having high proton conductivity even at low relative humidity, which can be formed into an ion conductive membrane of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) type fuel cell. A block copolymer characterized by alternating successive hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks, wherein these alternating blocks form a microphase separated morphology. The block copolymer of the present invention includes a first polymer block and a second polymer block bonded to the first polymer block, wherein the first polymer block includes a main polymer chain and one or more extending from the main polymer chain. It has side chains (ie, spacers), each of the side chains including at least one proton conducting substituent. [Selection] Figure 1 |