A poly(binaphthyl-co-terphenyl quinuclidinium) anion exchange membrane with excellent alkaline stability and anion conductivity

Abstract

As a crucial component of renewable energy water electrolyzers and fuel cells, the existing landscape reveals a scarcity of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with comprehensive high performance for the commercial implementation of the above devices. In this study, we engineered an AEM with remarkable attributes, including exceptional alkaline stability (no degradation in conductivity observed for over 2556 h in a 10 M NaOH solution at 80 °C), enhanced OH⁻ conductivity (measured at 170.21 mS cm⁻¹ at 80 °C), superior dimensional stability (swelling ratio <8% in pure water), and robust mechanical characteristics (possessing a tensile strength measuring 35.5 MPa and an elongation at break of 22%). Utilizing this AEM in a water electrolyzer results in higher electric current densities (2.2 A cm⁻² at 2.0 V) and exceptional durability when assembled with Ni–Fe and Ni–Mo foam electrodes.