Issue 35, 2015

Novel cross-linked anion exchange membrane based on hexaminium functionalized poly(vinylbenzyl chloride)

Abstract

Hydroxide anion exchange membranes (HAEMs) are of recent research interest, since these membranes can potentially replace the noble metal catalysts used in electrochemical energy conversion systems such as fuel cells and electrolysers. The conductivity and stability of state-of-the-art anion exchange membranes are far below those required for real applications. Herein, we report a novel anion exchange membrane based on aminated and cross-linked poly(vinylbenzyl chloride) prepared by an easy, viable synthetic route. β-Hydrogen free, multi-nitrogen containing ‘hexamethylenetetramine’ was used and explored as an amination/cross-linking agent for the first time in this study. FT-IR and 1H-NMR analysis results confirmed the successful quaternization of poly(vinylbenzyl chloride) with hexamine. TGA results showed the degradation temperature of the quaternized polymer is as high as 160 °C. AFM analysis revealed that the membrane possesses phase separated morphology with hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains. The ionic conductivity of the membranes increased when the amine to polymer ratio was increased from 0.2 to 0.33, and the highest ionic conductivity achieved was 6.8 × 10−3 S cm−1. The membrane has good chemical and alkaline stability which strongly suggests that the membrane would be a promising material for electrochemical energy conversion systems.

Graphical abstract: Novel cross-linked anion exchange membrane based on hexaminium functionalized poly(vinylbenzyl chloride)

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
11 Dec 2014
Accepted
06 Mar 2015
First published
06 Mar 2015

RSC Adv., 2015,5, 27365-27371

Author version available

Novel cross-linked anion exchange membrane based on hexaminium functionalized poly(vinylbenzyl chloride)

S. Vengatesan, S. Santhi, G. Sozhan, S. Ravichandran, D. J. Davidson and S. Vasudevan, RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 27365 DOI: 10.1039/C4RA16203J

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