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Correlation between the Humidity-Dependent Surface Microstructure and Macroconductivity of Anion Exchange Membranes
Yu Ding1, Chen-Xi Liu1, Yi-Chang Ma1
1State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|June 15, 2023
Summary
Understanding how water content affects anion exchange membrane (AEM) fuel cells is key. This study links hydration levels to AEM microstructure and conductivity, revealing critical performance insights.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Conversion
Background:
- Anion exchange membrane (AEM) fuel cells offer cost-effective, green energy solutions.
- Water content significantly impacts AEM conductivity and stability.
- Systematic investigation of hydration's effect on AEM microstructure and conductivity is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the correlation between humidity-dependent surface microstructure and macroconductivity in AEMs.
- To quantitatively analyze the impact of hydration on AEM microphase separation and ionic conduction.
Main Methods:
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for surface microstructure analysis.
- Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) for conductivity measurements.
- Analysis of hydrophilic/hydrophobic domain distribution from AFM phase images.
Main Results:
- Quantitative analysis of surface hydrophilic area ratio and domain size at varying hydration levels.
- Correlation established between microstructural changes and macro-scale ionic conductivity.
- Demonstrated influence of hydration on microphase separation in different AEMs.
Conclusions:
- Hydration level critically influences the microphase separation and ionic conductivity of AEMs.
- AFM and EIS provide complementary insights into AEM performance under varying humidity.
- Findings advance understanding for designing high-performance AEM fuel cells.
