Novel Ether-free Phenylene-based Block Copolymer Anion Exchange Membranes with Dense Quaternary Ammonium Groups for Electrochemical Energy Devices
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내용
Developing anion exchange membranes (AEMs) offers a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for fuel cells and electrolyzers. AEMs work under basic conditions, allowing non-precious metals but face conductivity and durability challenges due to hydroxide ions. Recent advancements in super-acid polymerization have created ether-free AEMs with significantly enhanced alkaline stability, but these efforts have focused more on stability than on increasing conductivity. We present high-performance multiblock copolymers for AEMs, synthesized via Ni-catalyzed coupling with phenyl alkylene units to protect the polymer backbone. Chloromethylated and quaternized poly(tetraphenylmethane) hydrophilic segments boost QA group density, hydrophilicity, and conductivity. These copolymers show excellent phase separation, conductivity, and alkaline stability. Compared to Fumatech® membranes, our membranes perform better, paving the way for efficient, durable AEMs in energy applications.