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Merging Ion Concentration Polarization between Juxtaposed Ion Exchange Membranes to Block the Propagation of the Polarization Zone
Published on: February 23, 2017
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Semi-interpenetrating anion exchange membranes using hydrophobic microporous linear poly(ether ketone)
Jia Hui Chen1, Wei Ting Gao1, Yvonne Shuen Lann Choo1
1Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, PR China.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|December 19, 2022
Summary
New anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (sIPNs) exhibit high hydroxide ion conductivity and excellent alkaline stability. These advanced AEMs show promise for efficient hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Developing anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with high ionic conductivity and chemical stability is crucial for electrochemical energy conversion devices.
- Traditional AEMs often face challenges related to trade-offs between conductivity, stability, and mechanical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare novel semi-interpenetrating polymer network (sIPN) based AEMs.
- To enhance hydroxide ion conductivity and alkaline stability through controlled phase separation.
- To evaluate the performance of these AEMs in hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of sIPN AEMs by incorporating crosslinked poly(biphenyl N-methylpiperidine) (PBP) and spirobisindane-based intrinsically microporous poly(ether ketone) (PEK-SBI).
- Characterization of AEMs using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms (BET surface area).
- Measurement of ionic conductivity, swelling ratio (SR), ion exchange capacity (IEC), and alkaline stability in 1 M NaOH at 80 °C.
- Fabrication and testing of hydrogen/oxygen single fuel cells.
Main Results:
- The sIPN structure, particularly sIPN-90/10(PEK-SBI), demonstrated significant phase separation, enhancing hydroxide ion conductivity.
- The sIPN-90/10(PEK-SBI) AEM achieved a high hydroxide ion conductivity of 122.4 mS cm⁻¹ at 80 °C with an IEC of 2.26 meq g⁻¹.
- Low swelling ratio (12.2% at 80 °C) and excellent alkaline stability (94.7% conductivity retention after 30 days in 1 M NaOH at 80 °C) were observed.
- A peak power density of 481 mW cm⁻² was achieved in a hydrogen/oxygen single cell using the sIPN-90/10(PEK-SBI) AEM.
Conclusions:
- The developed sIPN AEMs effectively combine high ionic conductivity and robust alkaline stability.
- The incorporation of intrinsically microporous PEK-SBI promotes favorable phase separation and enhances membrane performance.
- These sIPN AEMs represent a promising material for advanced alkaline fuel cell applications.
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