Work

The effect of ionic bond on anion exchange membrane: Enhanced hydrophilicity and structural rearrangement of blending membrane

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: For the commercialization of anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs), the anion exchange membrane (AEM), which is a key component of AEMFCs, requires not only excellent ion conductivity but also high alkaline stability. Therefore, in this study, a hybrid membrane composed of quaternized poly(phenylene oxide) (QPPO) with a dense ion sites and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), known for its superior chemical and mechanical properties, is prepared. The QPPO x -PVA y AEMs (where x and y represent the weight ratio of QPPO and PVA) forms hydrogen bonds or electrostatic interactions through a dehydration reaction between the quaternary ammonium group of QPPO and the hydroxyl group of PVA. This network bonding, resulting in enhanced hydrophilicity and structural rearrangement, improves the dimensional and chemical stability of the membrane. Among the prepared AEMs, QPPO 85 -PVA 15 AEM exhibits high ionic conductivity of 79.8 mS cm −1 at 80 °C under 100 % RH, a low dimensional change, and appropriate mechanical strength. In addition, ion conductivity of QPPO 85 -PVA 15 AEM retains 86.3 % of its initial ion conductivity after 1000 h in 2 M NaOH conditions. Thus, overall results demonstrate that the appropriate incorporation of PVA is effective in producing AEMs with excellent dimensional stability and high performance.

Source: Fuel

DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2025.135169

Authors: Kyu Ha Lee, Ji Young Chu

Institution: Jeonbuk National University

Language: English

Topic: Fuel Cells and Related Materials

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,330