Plasma-grafted alkaline anion-exchange membranes based on polyvinyl chloride for potential application in direct alcohol fuel cell

► Benzyltrimethylammonium cationic groups can be successfully introduced into the PVC powders via plasma grafting, quaternization and alkalization. ► The hydroxyl ion conductivity of plasma-grafted alkaline anion-exchange membrane is 0.0145 S cm−1 in deionized water at 20 °C. ► The plasma-grafted AAEMs can be used safely at <100 °C. ► The structure of the polymer matrix was not destroyed by the plasma treatment.