Anion exchange membranes based on ionic polybenzimidazoles crosslinked by thiol-ene reaction

Abstract

In this study, we report the synthesis and properties of new anion exchange membranes using m-polybenzimidazole (m-PBI) as polymer backbone attached with quaternary ammonium group and alkene group as side chains. These ionic m-PBIs were crosslinked by thermal thiol-ene reaction. The ion exchange capacity (IEC) values and crosslinking degrees were controlled independently by the amount of attached quaternary ammonium groups and alkene groups, respectively. m-PBI based AEMs with IEC from 1.51 to 2.50 mmol/g exhibit hydroxide conductivity of 14 to 58 mS/cm at 80 °C. With similar IEC values, crosslinked membranes absorb less water but show similar hydroxide conductivity and better dimension stability than uncrosslinked membranes. A crosslinked membrane with an IEC value of 2.46 mmol/g can retain 84% of its pristine hydroxide conductivity after being immersed in 1.0 M sodium hydroxide solution at 60 °C after 720 h. These membranes in hydrated condition also show mechanical robustness with tensile strength of 10.8 to 14.6 MPa. From the high hydroxide conductivity, enhanced alkaline stability and good mechanical properties, crosslinked ionic m-PBIs are promising candidate as anion exchange membranes for fuel cell application.