This invention relates to a series of organic/inorganic hybrid polymers
that are easy to fabricate into dimensionally stable films with good
ion-conductivity over a wide range of temperatures for use in a variety
of applications. The polymers are prepared by the reaction of amines,
preferably diamines and mixtures thereof with monoamines with
epoxy-functionalized alkoxysilanes. The products of the reaction are
polymerized by hydrolysis of the alkoxysilane groups to produce an
organic-containing silica network. Suitable functionality introduced into
the amine and alkoxysilane groups produce solid polymeric membranes which
conduct ions for use in fuel cells, high-performance solid state
batteries, chemical sensors, electrochemical capacitors, electro-chromic
windows or displays, analog memory devices and the like.