The Synthesis of a MePEG-based Hydroxide Conducting Electrolyte and the Optimization of the MePEG-Tosylation Reaction

Author

Andrew LadnerFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-9-2020

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

First Advisor

Jason Ritchie

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

As society is becoming increasingly aware of the effects of climate change and the ever-looming threat of a fuel shortage, exploring green and renewable alternative energy production, such as fuel cells, is paramount. This project investigates the synthesis of a polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (MePEG_n) based polymer as well as the optimization of the MePEG Tosylation reaction. The MePEG explored contains seven polymerized ethoxy groups (MePEG₇). The MePEG₇ polymer was modified by substituting a positively-charged trimethylamine group in the place of the alcohol functional group at the end of the PEG chain. The reason for this substitution was to create a positive charge on the polymer electrolyte which could then potentially facilitate the movement of ions such as hydroxide ions. I have prepared the MePEG₇N(Me)₃⁺ Br^– product which would have been ion exchanged to the Hydroxide (OH^–) form of the polymer. However, due to complications of COVID-19, the physical properties of the electrolyte, such as ionic conductivity and viscosity, will have to be completed in a future project to determine the viability of the synthesized material as an alkaline fuel cell (AFC) polymer electrolyte membrane.

Recommended Citation

Ladner, Andrew, "The Synthesis of a MePEG-based Hydroxide Conducting Electrolyte and the Optimization of the MePEG-Tosylation Reaction" (2020). Honors Theses. 1382.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/1382

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.