Anion Exchange Membranes Based on Sulfonated Poly(ether ether ketone) Crosslinked Methylpyrrolidinium Functionalized Poly (vinyl benzyl chloride) with High Chemical Stability. Issue 15 (22nd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Huanhuan; Ren, Xiaorui; Dong, Jianhao; Che, Xuefu; Liu, Ruihong; Yang, Jingshuai
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Electrochemical Society. Volume 166:Issue 15(2019)
• Page Start: F1134
• Page End: F1141
• Publication Date: 2019-10-22
• Subjects: Fuel Cells -- alkaline stability -- Anion exchange membrane -- ionic crosslinking; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; 541.3705
• DOI: 10.1149/2.0211915jes
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4651

Abstract

Abstract : Developing anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with superior chemical stability and high conductivity is a considerable challenge for the practical application in AEM fuel cells. Herein, novel ionic crosslinked AEMs from methylpyrrolidinium functionalized poly (vinyl benzyl chloride) (PVBC-MPy) and sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (sPEEK) were fabricated through a facile and gentle method. The PVBC-MPy ionomer with a superior alkaline stability is used as the hydroxide conductor, while the sPEEK polymer plays the role as a macromolecular crosslinker. The PVBC-MPy exhibited good compatibility with sPEEK without phase separation. The obtained PVBC-MPy/ x %sPEEK membranes displayed excellent oxidative resistance toward the attack of radicals as demonstrated by Fenton test. Meanwhile, AEMs also exhibited low dimensional swellings, improved mechanical strength, high conductivity and superior alkaline stability simultaneously. The PVBC-MPy/10%sPEEK membrane exhibited a weight retention rate of 86% after the Fenton test for 180 h, a volume swelling of 45%, a tensile strength of 25.6 MPa at room temperature, an anion conductivity of 28 mS cm −1 at 80°C, and retained its initial conductivity of 86.4% after immersing in 1 M KOH at 80°C for 410 h.