A novel poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) with trifunctional ammonium moieties for alkaline anion exchange membranes.

2,4,6-Tri(dimethylaminomethyl)-phenol was synthesized as a trifunctional moiety and incorporated onto poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) to obtain a novel quaternary ammonium functionalized PPO (PPO-TQA). Membranes of the polymer were fabricated and exhibited high conductivity, a low swelling ratio and water uptake.