Fuel cell durability enhancement by crosslinking alkaline anion exchange membrane electrolyte

Our previously investigated quatemized poly (methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate-co-vinylbenzyl chloride) (QPMBV) AAEM (alkaline anion exchange membrane) showed exceptional fuel cell performance, yet the poor durability is still remained to solve. The focus of this research is to enhance the durability of QPMBV AAEM through monomer reselection and crosslinking, which increases T-g by 20 degrees C and decreases water uptake by 75%. The resulted AAEM can continuously work for 420 and 146 hrs in fuel cell without significant performance decline at 50 degrees C and 70 degrees C, respectively. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.