Highly Conductive and Dimensionally Stable Anion Exchange Membranes Based on Poly(dimethoxybenzene-co-methyl 4-formylbenzoate) Ionomers

The chemical stability of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) greatly affects their practical applications in alkaline membrane fuel cells. Here, highly conductive and dimensionally stable AEMs based on a copolymer with a triphenylmethane backbone (without aryl ether linkages) were prepared via Friedel-Crafts polycondensation. The as-prepared AEMs showed a high hydroxide conductivity (124.2 mS cm(-1) at 80 degrees C) and good alkaline stability in 2 M KOH solution at 60 degrees C. Furthermore, the AEMs with high ion exchange capacity (IEC: 2.17 mmol g(-1)) displayed high mechanical properties and good dimensional stability. The single H-2/O-2 fuel cell utilizing the PDMB-Pi-0.7 membrane showed a maximum power density of 212.8 mW cm(-2) at a current density of 425.5 mA cm(-2) at 60 degrees C. This study provides a general synthesis strategy for the preparation of stable AEMs with high hydroxide ion conductivity and good dimensional stability for alkaline membrane fuel cells.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates the preparation of stable AEMs with high hydroxide ion conductivity and good dimensional stability through a general synthesis strategy. The AEMs showed high hydroxide conductivity and good alkaline stability, highlighting their potential for applications in alkaline membrane fuel cells. The single H-2/O-2 fuel cell utilizing the AEM membrane exhibited a high power density, emphasizing the performance of the synthesized AEMs.