Synthesis and Characterization of a Composite Anion Exchange Membrane for Water Electrolyzers (AEMWE)

Abstract

Anion exchange membranes (AEM) have gained attention recently as a promising candidate for low-cost water electrolysis systems to produce hydrogen, linked with renewable energy resources as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The development of potential materials for producing and analyzing AEM is an imperative step towards commercialization and plays a competitive role in the hydrogen production industry. In this article, we developed a composite anion exchange membrane prepared by activating a commercial support structure (Celgard® 3401) with a commercially available functional group (Fumion® FAA-3) through a phase-inversion process. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated the phase-inversion procedure as an effective methodology. Furthermore, the cell performance test result (with Celgard/Fumion) was very promising and even better in comparison with a commercial membrane commonly applied in alkaline electrolysis (Fumasep). We also developed a testing procedure for membrane performance evaluation during electrolysis which is very critical considering the effect of CO2 absorption on membrane conductivity.

Functionalization of polyketone (PK) with 1‐(3‐aminopropyl)piperidine for the preparation of anion exchange membranes

“…This behavior is quite common in IEMs because of the presence of ions that enhance the affinity towards water (Figure 7). 9,11,15,20,21 The functionalization by the diiodide was also confirmed by DSC analysis, reported in Figure 8. A substantial shift of the glass transition temperature from 7 to 63 C was observed.…”

“…This behavior is quite common in IEMs because of the presence of ions that enhance the affinity towards water (Figure 7). 9,11,15,20,21 …”

Polyketone-Based Anion-Exchange Membranes for Alkaline Water Electrolysis

“…The measurements were carried out from 0 to 800 mA/cm 2 , but they were automatically stopped when they exceeded 3.2 V, since commercial electrolyte cells usually work in a range of 1.85-2.05 V [19]. Figure 6 and Table 5 show the results obtained through the electrolytic cell tests at room temperature and atmospheric pressure [28]. PK30IMq showed the lowest resistance of 0.65 Ω and the highest ionic conductivity of 9.69 mS/cm, compared to the less-crosslinked membranes, and in agreement with the determined WU and IEC values.…”

Separators and Membranes for Advanced Alkaline Water Electrolysis

“…While hydrophobic support materials are expected to show a long lifetime in aqueous alkaline conditions, it can be difficult to wet their pores with viscous, polar polymer solutions. This can be tackled by prewetting the surface of porous support films with solvents or tensides, , by chemical etching (for example contacting porous Teflon with a sodium-naphthalene solution for 5 s,) or plasma treatments . Once the pores are filled with the polymer solution, it has to be ensured that evaporating solvent does not result in pores.…”