A novel quaternized poly(ether sulfone) membrane for alkaline fuel cell application

A new type of poly(ether sulfone)-based self-aggregated anion exchange membrane (AEM) was successfully synthesized and used in H-2/O-2 fuel cell applications. The self-aggregated structural design improves the effective mobility of OH- ion and increases the ionic conductivity of AEM. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra confirm successful chloromethylation and quaternization in the poly(ether sulfone). Thermogravimetric analysis curves show the self-aggregated membrane was thermally stable up to 180 degrees C. The AEM also has excellent mechanical properties, with tensile strength 53.5MPa and elongation at break 47.6% under wet condition at room temperature. The performance of H-2/O-2 single fuel cell at 30 degrees C showed the maximum power density of 162mWcm(-2). These results show that the self-aggregated quaternized poly(ether sulfone) membrane is a potential candidate for alkaline fuel cell applications. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.