Fabrication of High-Alkaline Stable Quaternized Poly(arylene ether ketone)/Graphene Oxide Derivative Including Zwitterion for Alkaline Fuel Cells

Abstract

Anion-exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) systems have emerged as a promising alternative for proton-exchange membrane due to their reasonable manufacturing cost and fast oxidation−reduction reactions. But, polymer backbone with ether linker-based poly arylene ether is quickly decomposed in high alkaline media, limiting the commercialization possibilities. Herein, a series of anion-exchange composite membranes having a graphene oxide derivative [graphene oxide linked with methyl orange (GO-MO) containing zwitterion] has been prepared for an anion-exchange membrane with improved ion conductivity and excellent alkaline stability. Here, the compositional ratio of quaternized poly(arylene ether ketone)@GO-MO was optimized with regard to dimensional properties and chemical stability. In particular, QPAEK@GO-MO 0.7 wt % exhibited the highest ion conductivity of 118.5 mS cm −1 with suitable dimensional stability, and peak power density of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) based upon QPAEK@GO-MO 0.7 wt % reached 303.2 mW cm −2 at 60 °C in an H 2 /O 2 fuel cell test. Moreover, the alkaline stability of composite membranes shows to be considerably stable in high alkaline concentrations. This work provides a new strategy for fabricating the composite membrane introducing GO derivative including zwitterion for potential application of AEMFCs.

Dimethylimidazolium-Functionalized Polybenzimidazole and Its Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Membranes for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

“…It is known that the hydroxide can transport in AEMs via either the vehicular mechanism or the Grotthuss mechanism [57]. Previous studies suggested that the ion transport will obey vehicular mechanism if the activation energy is less than 14 kJ mol −1 [58,59]. Since the activation energies in these two membranes exceed 14 kJ mol −1 , the Grotthuss mechanism is supposed to dominate the ion transport mechanism [60].…”

Enhancing anion conduction stability of quaternized poly(phenylene) oxide‐based anion exchange membranes with ionic liquids modified carbon nanomaterials

“…The GO nanosheets could resist continuous attacks to the structure of QPPO from hydroxyl groups. 48 Furthermore, the retention ratios were 94.1% for SEBS-C16-20C4 59 and 94.9% for Cr-ASD-PSF2.05. 60 In our opinion, the results could inspire the further research on enhancing alkaline stability of the AEM through preparing GO-based composites.…”

Recent Developments on Bioinspired Cellulose Containing Polymer Nanocomposite Cation and Anion Exchange Membranes for Fuel Cells (PEMFC and AFC)

“…Thus the developments of a wide variety of quaternary ammonium functionalized polymers, such as poly(arylene ether sulfone), poly(arylene ether ketone), poly (p-phenylene-co-aryl ether ketone), poly(isatin biphenylene), poly(ether ether ketone), and poly(phenylene oxide) are considered for AFC applications [ 145 , 146 , 147 , 148 , 149 , 150 ]. Recently, several nano- or micro-fillers were tested in composite AEMs to improve the performance of AFCs even more [ 151 , 152 , 153 , 154 , 155 ]. In this connection, the surface-modified different bioinspired materials, specifically quaternized, have been developed to be evaluated in the AFC system with and without additives and other polymers.…”