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Ion-Exchange Membranes for the Fabrication of Reverse Electrodialysis Device
Published on: July 20, 2021
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Crown ether-based anion exchange membranes with highly efficient dual ion conducting pathways
1Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, The College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China; College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Environment, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|July 18, 2021
Summary
New anion exchange membranes (AEMs) utilize Tröger
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are critical for alkaline fuel cells, but their performance is limited by low conductivity and stability.
- Existing AEMs face a trade-off between hydroxide (OH-) conductivity and dimensional stability in alkaline environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To overcome the limitations of current AEMs by developing a novel material with enhanced OH- conductivity and alkali resistance.
- To investigate the role of Na+-functionalized crown ether units in improving AEM performance and stability.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of poly(crown ether)s (PCEs) with Tröger's base as the main chain, incorporating quaternary ammonium (QA) and Na+-functionalized crown ether units.
- Fabrication and characterization of AEMs based on the synthesized PCEs.
- Evaluation of AEM performance, including OH- conductivity, dimensional stability, and alkali resistance.
- Assembly and testing of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for alkaline fuel cell applications.
Main Results:
- The developed AEMs exhibit a hydrophobic-hydrophilic microphase separation, ideal for OH- conduction.
- The PCEs-QA-100% AEM demonstrated a high OH- conductivity of 159 mS cm-1 at 80°C and an ionic exchange capacity (IEC) of 2.07 meq g-1.
- MEAs fabricated with the new AEM achieved a maximum power density of 291 mW cm-2 at a current density of 500 mA cm-2.
- The Na+-functionalized crown ether units significantly enhanced the alkaline stability of the AEMs.
Conclusions:
- The novel AEMs based on Tröger's base poly(crown ether)s effectively address the conductivity-stability trade-off in alkaline fuel cells.
- The incorporation of Na+-functionalized crown ether units is a promising strategy for developing high-performance and durable AEMs.
- These advanced AEMs show significant potential for the practical application of alkaline fuel cells.
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