Comb-shaped phenolphthalein-based poly(ether sulfone)s as anion exchange membranes for alkaline fuel cells. Issue 21 (9th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lin, Chen Xiao; Zhuo, Yi Zhi; Lai, Ao Nan; Zhang, Qiu Gen; Zhu, Ai Mei; Liu, Qing Lin
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 6:Issue 21(2016)
• Page Start: 17269
• Page End: 17279
• Publication Date: 2016-02-09
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c5ra22774g
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : A series of novel comb-shaped phenolphthalein-based poly(ether sulfone)s was synthesized for preparing anion exchange membranes (AEMs). Abstract : A series of novel comb-shaped phenolphthalein-based poly(ether sulfone)s was synthesized for preparing anion exchange membranes (AEMs). Hexadecyldimethylamine with a long alkyl chain was used as the quaternization reagent to form a comb-shaped architecture of the copolymers. Due to the presence of a long alkyl side chain with hydrophobicity, the as-synthesized comb-shaped AEMs possess a self-anti-swelling property resulting in a low water uptake and swelling ratio. The PES-B100-C16 membrane exhibits excellent alkaline stability due to the presence of large volumetric β-alkyl chains linking to the cationic group that resist the attack of OH −, and retain available ionic conductivity in a 2 M KOH solution at 60 °C for 360 h. An open circuit voltage of the single cell reached 0.67 V, and the maximum power density was 43 mW cm 2 at a current density of 125 mA cm −2 without optimization in a single H2 /O2 alkaline fuel cell at 50 °C.