Robust and durable poly(aryl-co-aryl piperidinium) reinforced membranes for alkaline membrane fuel cells

Robust and durable anion exchange membranes are crucial for cost-effective anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). Herein, we report high-performance poly(aryl-co-aryl piperidinium) (c-PAP) reinforced membranes with >95% visible light transmittance and a typical three-layer cross-sectional morphology for AEMFCs. Importantly, the reinforced composite membranes (RCMs) simultaneously possess ultrahigh tensile strength (TS, similar to 114 MPa) and elongation at break (EB, similar to 159%), which are improvements over the best-performing AEMs previously reported (mostly below 50 MPa of TS and 30% of EB). Additionally, the RCMs exhibit exceptional gas tightness (H-2 crossover current density <0.2 mA cm(-2) at 20% relative humidity (RH) and H-2 permeability <10 Barrer), dimensional stability, and mechanical durability during RH cycling and pressure differential tests at 80 degrees C. Moreover, the RCMs maintain excellent mechanical and chemical durability after AEMFC testing at a current density of 0.6 A cm(-2) at 70 degrees C for similar to 360 h. The present RCM is an excellent candidate for alkaline energy device applications.

Automated summary

High-performance poly(aryl-co-aryl piperidinium) reinforced membranes with excellent mechanical and chemical durability, gas tightness, and dimensional stability were reported for alkaline energy device applications.