Anion Exchange Membranes Synthesized by Acetalization of Poly(vinyl alcohol) for Fuel Cells

High-performance anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are the bottleneck of the commercialization of alkaline AEM fuel cells. Various methods have been developed to prepare AEMs with high ionic conductivity, excellent mechanical properties, and alkaline stability. Among them, modification of various commercial polymers is a facile and effective way. To broaden the category of the commercial polymer-based AEMs, herein, a series of AEMs based on poly(vinyl alcohol) were prepared by acetalization. The PVA-FBMPx-TPA(z) membrane achieved OH- conductivity up to 200.4 mS cm(-1) at 80 degrees C with appropriate water uptake and a low swelling ratio. Moreover, a high peak power density of 982 mW cm(-2) was obtained in a H-2/O-2 fuel cell test.

Automated summary

High-performance anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are crucial for the commercialization of alkaline AEM fuel cells. Modification of commercial polymers is an effective way to prepare AEMs with high ionic conductivity and excellent mechanical properties. In this study, a PVA-based AEM was successfully prepared, showing high OH- conductivity and peak power density.