Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) have gained significant attention in recent years because they can efficiently and cleanly convert the chemical energy stored in fuels directly into electrical energy. Since AEMFCs utilize a solid alkaline electrolyte [i.e. anion exchange membrane (AEM)] to transport hydroxide anions, they can avoid issues previously faced with the concentrated aqueous KOH electrolyte in alkaline fuel cells. However, significant shortcomings still remain in AEMFCs such as poor long-term alkaline stability and low hydroxide conductivity. In attempts to improve alkaline stability, we prepared styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS)-based AEM materials bearing various ammonium-cation groups. Utilizing our groups' recently developed metal-catalyzed synthetic strategy, involving C-H borylation followed by Suzuki coupling, we introduced highly stable ammonium-cation species to the aromatic units of SEBS. We will present the synthesis, hydroxide transport properties, and alkaline stability of these SEBS-based AEMs.

SEBS-based anion exchange membranes with improved alkaline stability

248th National Meeting (2014)

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