Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are one of the promising non-polluting energy sources. The proton exchange membrane (PEM) is a core part of the cell which a broad array of polymers and ionomers have been developed and evaluated in recent years as possible candidates for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. However the strong acidic operating conditions of PEMs require using noble metal based catalyst which is not cost-efficient. Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) have attracted a great deal of attention as a substitute to proton exchange membrane fuel cells due to their alkaline operating conditions. However anion exchange membranes (AEM) mostly suffer from low mechanical stability owing to their high water uptake. Acid-base blending approach can be used to strengthen mechanical stability of anion exchange membrane by introducing the electrostatic interaction. In this study quaternary ammonium poly(arylene ether sulfone) QPAES-H:N multi-block ionomer with high ion exchange capacity (basic polymer) were synthesized and solution blended with sulfonated poly(phenyl sulfone)-base comb-shaped polymer PAES-PPSU (acidic polymer). Improving mechanical stability of QPAES-H:N without sacrificing its electrochemical properties is the objective of this study. The blend membranes exhibit lower water uptake and dimensional change in comparison to pristine anion exchange membrane while maintaining high hydroxyl conductivity. Higher mechanical stability and greater dimensional stability were resultants of acid-base blending and electrostatic interactions. Furthermore, the effect of acid-base blending on thermal stability and water arrangement for blends with different composition has been studied.

Enhancement of quaternary ammonium poly(arylene ether sulfone) anion exchange membrane properties by blending with sulfonated comb-shaped poly(phenyl sulfone)-base polymer

2019 Spring National Meeting

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