A mini-review on anion exchange membranes for fuel cell applications: Stability issue and addressing strategies

• Cation structures determine AAEM stability.
• Resonance contribution to cation stability is controversial; substitution structure is important.
• Backbone structure may influence cation stability.
• Polymer/inorganic AAEMs deserve further attention.

Alkaline anion exchange membrane (AAEM) is the core component of anion exchange membrane fuel cell. This review covers the recent progress in addressing the low alkaline stability of AAEMs under fuel cell conditions. Efforts have been made to identify and understand the main factors influencing AAEM stability, especially the ion exchange group's stability. These factors include the membrane material's cation structure, backbone structure, steric hindrance, cross-linking and so on. Strategies to improve AAEM stability are also discussed and proposed.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide