A hamburger-structure imidazolium-modified silica/polyphenyl ether composite membrane with enhancing comprehensive performance for anion exchange membrane applications. (1st April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Nanjun; Long, Chuan; Li, Yunxi; Wang, Dong; Zhu, Hong
• Is Part Of: Electrochimica acta. Volume 268(2018)
• Page Start: 295
• Page End: 303
• Publication Date: 2018-04-01
• Subjects: Anion exchange membrane -- Hamburger structure -- Silica -- Fuel cell; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; Electrochemistry, Industrial -- Periodicals; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2018.01.064
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4686

Abstract

Abstract: With the intention of improving the comprehensive performance of anion exchange membranes (AEMs), a series of hamburger-structure AEMs based on triple-ammonium side chain poly(2, 6-dimethyl-1, 4-phenylene oxide) (TA-PPO) membrane were prepared. 1, 2-dimetylimidazolium-modified silica (Im-SiO2 ) was introducing to the surface of the TA-PPO membrane to fabricate a hamburger structure of Im-SiO2 /TA-PPO membrane. The hamburger structure of the Im-SiO2 /TA-PPO membrane is clearly observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) linear scanning. Surprisingly, the Im-SiO2 layer on the surface of TA-PPO shows many valuable properties. Such as impressive ion conduction ability, water retaining capacity, and swelling resistance. Besides, the Im-SiO2 layer serves as a preserver to protect the TA-PPO membrane from being attacked by hydroxide and oxygen radical. Compared with TA-PPO membrane, the Im-SiO2 /TA-PPO composite membrane exhibits the higher hydroxide conductivity and dimensional stability, and even higher alkaline stability and oxidation resistance. Typically, the Im-SiO2 /TA-PPO composite membrane exhibits a maximum hydroxide conductivity of 105 mS/cm at 80 °C with a swelling ratio of 8.2%. Therefore, the hamburger structure of the Im-SiO2 /TA-PPO membranes provides a new and reliable method to improve the comprehensive performance of AEM. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Hamburger structure of AEM is designed to enhance the performance of the AEM. The Im-SiO2 layer exhibits high ion conductivity, low swelling ratio, and good chemical stability. The Im-SiO2 /TA-PPO membrane shows higher ion conductivity and chemical stability than those of TA-PPO.