Ning Xie, Tao Wang, Haowei Kang, Yiting Liu, Xinli Li, Qiang Weng, Xingming Ning, Pei Chen*, Xinbing Chen* and Zhongwei An,
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
High-performance anion exchange membranes (AEMs) have garnered increasing attention in recent years. However, commercial progress of the AEM for fuel cells is still hindered by its low ionic conductivity and inadequate alkaline stability. In this study, we propose the incorporation of a hydrophobic rigid-flexible coupled side chain into a polycarbazolyl AEM as an innovative approach to enhance both the conductivity and stability. The results demonstrate that the AEMs with hydrophobic rigid-flexible coupled side chains exhibit superior conductivity and stability compared with those without (PQMC-0). For example, the ion exchange capacity of PQMC-10 is reduced by 11% than PQMC-0, but its conductivity is enhanced by 14%, dimensional change is decreased by almost half, and oxidative stability is increased by more than four times. Improved conductivity of the AEMs can be attributed to the presence of hydrophobic rigid-flexible coupled side chains, making it easier for AEM to construct microphase separation to facilitate ion transport. Furthermore, the introduction of hydrophobic side chains reduces water absorption of the membrane, thereby enhancing its dimensional stability while minimizing the intake of free radicals or hydroxide ions present in water. Consequently, this modification significantly improves the oxidative and alkaline stability as well. Finally, the PQMC-10 shows a maximum power density of 649 mW cm–2 in a single fuel cell, which is three times bigger than that of PQMC-0, indicating a promising application in the field of fuel cells.
期刊介绍:
ACS Applied Energy Materials is an interdisciplinary journal publishing original research covering all aspects of materials, engineering, chemistry, physics and biology relevant to energy conversion and storage. The journal is devoted to reports of new and original experimental and theoretical research of an applied nature that integrate knowledge in the areas of materials, engineering, physics, bioscience, and chemistry into important energy applications.