Quaternized poly (styrene-co-vinylbenzyl chloride) anion exchange membranes for alkaline water electrolysers

In this study, poly (ST-co-VBC) based anion exchange membranes with different styrene to VBC ratios (1: 0.16, 1: 0.33 and 1: 1) have been prepared via chloromethylation-free synthetic route using aromatic vinyl monomers. The synthesized co-polymers are identified by FTIR and H-1-NMR analysis. Hydroxide (OH-)ion conductivity of the anion exchange membrane with styrene to VBC ratio of 1: 033 is as high as 6.8 x 10(-3) S cm(-1) in de-ionised water at 25 degrees C. The membrane also acquires the ion-exchange capacity of 2.14 meq. g(-1), and the water uptake of 127%. Membrane-electrode-assembly (MEA) using the anion exchange membrane and Ni - foam catalyst demonstrate the current density of 40 mA cm(-2), at 2.3 V in a water electrolyser cell. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.