Abstract
A high-performance anion exchange membrane (AEM) is critical for the development of alkaline fuel cell. In this work, AEMs with an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) are synthesized. An electron microscope clearly reveals a highly efficient “ion channel” network, which is constructed with a small amount of cation exchange groups. This specially designed ion channel leads to extraordinary hydroxide conductivity (e.g., 257.8 mS cm−1 at 80 °C) of IPN AEMs at moderate ion exchange capacity (IEC = 1.75 mmol g−1), as well as excellent long-term alkaline stability at harsh condition which showed that 81% of original conductivity can be retained after a long time for 1248 hours. Moreover, a remarkable peak power density of 1.20 W cm−2 (0.1 MPa backpressure) with nonprecious metal (FeNx-CNTs) as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst in a fuel cell test was achieved. This work offers a general strategy to prepare high-performance AEMs based on IPN structure design.
Highlights
As one of the electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies, fuel cells are expected to be one of the promising environmentally friendly power sources
High ion exchange capacity (IEC) value is usually accompanied by high dimensional swelling which leads to the deterioration of mechanical stability of anion exchange membrane (AEM). [10,11,12] In this case, crosslinking technology was used to suppress the undesirable excessive dimensional swelling. [13,14,15,16,17]
[25] For instance, Pan et al prepared a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) AEM composed of a rigid polymer network and ion-conductive component, which exhibited outstanding mechanical strength (17.4 MPa) and flexibility (93.4% elongation), as well as good ion conductivity
Summary
As one of the electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies, fuel cells are expected to be one of the promising environmentally friendly power sources. [1,2,3,4,5,6] As a crucial component in AEMFCs, anion exchange membranes (AEMs) segregate the fuel (anode) from oxidant (cathode) and provide an ion transport pathway simultaneously. [19,20,21,22,23,24] In this strategy, a small amount of cation exchange groups form an efficient continuous “ion channel” due to microphase separation, which facilities the anion conduction greatly. With such a structural control method, high ion conductivity and mechanical stability can be obtained simultaneously. An interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) has a “multiple continuous phase” structure, in which two or more phases are interlaced with each other. [25] For instance, Pan et al prepared a semi-IPN AEM composed of a rigid polymer network and ion-conductive component, which exhibited outstanding mechanical strength (17.4 MPa) and flexibility (93.4% elongation), as well as good ion conductivity
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