Semi-Interpenetrating Network Anion Exchange Membranes by Thiol–Ene Coupling Reaction for Alkaline Fuel Cells and Water Electrolyzers

Abstract

In this work, a thiol–ene coupling reaction was employed to prepare the semi-interpenetrating polymer network AEMs. The obtained QP-1/2 membrane exhibits high hydroxide conductivity (162.5 mS cm−1 at 80 °C) with a relatively lower swelling ratio, demonstrating its mechanical strength of 42 MPa. This membrane is noteworthy for its improved alkaline stability, as the semi-interpenetrating network effectively limits the attack of hydroxide. Even after being treated in 2 M NaOH at 80 °C for 600 h, 82.5% of the hydroxide conductivity is maintained. The H2/O2 fuel cell with QP-1/2 membrane displays a peak power density of 521 mW cm−2. Alkaline water electrolyzers based on QP-1/2 membrane demonstrated a current density of 1460 mA cm−2 at a cell voltage of 2.00 V using NiCoFe catalysts in the anode. All the results demonstrate that a semi-interpenetrating structure is a promising way to enhance the mechanical property, ionic conductivity, and alkaline stability of AEMs for the application of alkaline fuel cells and water electrolyzers.

Construction of Cross-Linked Poly(aryl Ether Nitrile) Anion Exchange Membranes Containing Bilateral Linked Branches for Water Electrolyzer

“…The membrane also benefited from reduced surface energy and showed strong dimensional stability. In comparison to previous studies, , CS-G-PAENA-50 demonstrated exceptional dimensional stability. The hydration number λ was calculated for CS-G-PAENA-X, as shown in Figure c.…”