Imidazolium-Based Anion Exchange Membranes for Electrochemically Converted Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier

Abstract

Liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) is a technology that uses renewable energy for hydrogen transportation, storage and utilization. LOHC have advantages that can store and utilize hydrogen rapidly in the lack of transportation infrastructure. A membrane-based LOHC system is a promising technology due to the dynamic operation using electrochemistry. Anion exchange membranes are widely used as electrolyte for electrochemical devices. The performance of LOHC could be determined by the properties of anion exchange membranes. Thus, high anion conducting ionomers must be developed for the superior conversion rates on the electrochemical reduction of liquid toluene to methylcyclohexane. In this study, anion exchangeable polymers containing imidazolium salt as anion-conducting group were synthesized to achieve good conduction of hydroxide ions and their chemical stability. Anion exchange membranes were prepared by a pore-filling method using porous polyethylene substrate. The pore-filling anion exchange membranes were characterized in terms of ion conductivity, areal resistance, ion exchange capacity, water uptake, swelling ratio and mechanical strength. Acknowledgment This research was supported in part by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (No. 2E31871) and by 2021 Green Convergence Professional Manpower Training Program of the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute funded by the Ministry of Environment.