Branched poly(ether ether ketone) based anion exchange membrane for H2/O2 fuel cell. (3rd September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Kaifeng; Wu, Qi; Yan, Xiaoming; Liu, Jiafei; Gao, Li; Hu, Lei; Zhang, Ning; Pan, Yu; Zheng, Wenji; He, Gaohong
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 44:Number 42(2019)
• Page Start: 23750
• Page End: 23761
• Publication Date: 2019-09-03
• Subjects: Branched polymer -- Poly(ether ether ketone) -- Anion exchange membrane -- Fuel cell; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2019.07.080
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: High-performance anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are in need for practical application of AEM fuel cells. Novel branched poly(ether ether ketone) (BPEEK) based AEMs were prepared by the copolymerization of phloroglucinol, methylhydroquinone and 4, 4′-difluorobenzophenone and following functionalization. The effects of the branched polymer structures and functional groups on the membrane's properties were investigated. The swelling ratios of all the membranes were kept below 15% at room temperature and had good dimensional stability at elevated temperatures. The branching degree has almost no effect on the dimensional change, but plays a great role in tuning the nanophase separation structure. The cyclic ammonium functionalized membrane showed a lower conductivity but a much better stability than imidazolium one. The BPEEK-3-Pip-53 membrane with the branching degree of 3% and piperidine functionalization degree of 53% showed the best performances. The ionic conductivity was 43 mS cm −1 at 60 °C. The ionic conductivity in 1 M KOH at 60 °C after 336 h was 75% of its initial value (25% loss of conductivity), and the IEC was 83% of its initial value (17% loss of IEC), suggesting good alkaline stability. The peak energy density (60 °C) of the single H2 /O2 fuel cell with BPEEK-3-Pip-53 membrane reached 133 mW cm −2 at 260 mA cm −2 . Highlights: A novel branched poly(ether ether ketone) based AEM was prepared. The branched AEMs showed high conductivity and low swelling ratio. A high peak power density was achieved for single cell with the branched AEM.