Comb-shaped SEBS-based anion exchange membranes with obvious microphase separation morphology. (20th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sang, Jing; Yang, Lincan; Li, Ziming; Wang, Fanghui; Wang, Zhihua; Zhu, Hong
• Is Part Of: Electrochimica acta. Volume 403(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01-20
• Subjects: Anion exchange membrane -- Comb shape -- Sebs -- Microphase separation morphology -- Solubility; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; Electrochemistry, Industrial -- Periodicals; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.139500
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4686

Abstract

Highlights: The comb-shaped structure was introduced into the SEBS-based AEMs. The comb-shaped AEMs exhibit high ion transmission efficiency owe to the form of the interconnected channels. The comb-shaped structure can effectively ameliorate the solubility to solve the gelation problem of SEBS. Abstract: The trade-off between stability and hydroxide conductivity plays an important role in the development of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) and AEM applications. Aiming at the problems of low OH − ion conductivity and poor stability of AEMs, poly(styrene- b -(ethylene- co -butylene)- b -styrene) (SEBS) was used as the polymer backbone and combined with tertiary amines with different carbon chain lengths to synthesize a series of comb-shaped membranes through Menshutkin reaction. The well-designed architecture of comb-shaped membranes was responsible for precisely adjusting the hydrophilic and hydrophobic phases to promote the self-aggregation of ion clusters in the membrane from the separated state and gradually form interconnected ion channels. This continuous channel significantly increased the ion conductivity (57.5 mS cm −1 at 80 °C), while the increased hydrophobic chain reduced the swelling ratio (14.17% at 80 °C) of the comb-shaped membranes which improved the dimensional stability. In the single cell evaluation, the comb-shaped membrane achieves a maximum power density of 176 mW cm −2 at 80 °C under H2 /O2 conditions. Additionally, the comb-shaped structure can effectively ameliorate the solubility of the polymer, which can solve the gelation problem in the process of functional modification of SEBS. On balance, this work presents a new technology with such uncomplicated and controllable mode for the synthesis of highly efficient AEMs, thus opening an effective and adjustable means of anion exchange membrane fuel cell applications. Graphical abstract: Image, graphical abstract