Fuel cells are attractive alternative energy resources that have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Anion exchange membrane fuel cells have distinct advantages relative to proton exchange membrane fuel cells, such as fast cathode reaction kinetics and ability to use low-cost, non-noble metal catalysts. In anion exchange membrane fuel cells, cations (typically quaternary ammonium species, �NR3+) are attached to polymer chains and hydroxide anions (-OH) serve as charge carriers. By utilizing our group's recent polymer functionalization chemistry based on C-H borylation, we have successfully incorporated a variety of stable ammonium-cationic species into aromatic polymers. We will present controlled synthesis and characterization of these anion exchange membranes and their fuel cell membrane properties.

Controlled and versatile synthesis of anion exchange membranes for fuel cell applications

247th National Meeting (2014)

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