Fuel cell durability enhancement by crosslinking alkaline anion exchange membrane electrolyte

Our previously investigated quaternized poly (methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate-co-vinylbenzyl chloride) (QPMBV) AAEM (alkaline anion exchange membrane) showed exceptional fuel cell performance, yet the poor durability is still remained to solve. The focus of this research is to enhance the durability of QPMBV AAEM through monomer reselection and crosslinking, which increases Tg by 20 °C and decreases water uptake by 75%. The resulted AAEM can continuously work for 420 and 146 hrs in fuel cell without significant performance decline at 50 °C and 70 °C, respectively.

► QPMV-PDVB AAEM is used as polymer electrolyte for alkaline fuel cell.
► Eliminating butyl acrylate increases glass transition temperature.
► Crosslinking into an s-IPN reduces water uptake.
► Resulted AAEM can continuously work for 420 hours on fuel cell, which is eight times longer than uncrosslinked membrane.