Anionic membrane based on polyepichlorhydrin matrix for alkaline fuel cell: Synthesis, physical and electrochemical properties

Polymer electrolytes, using a poly(epichlorydrin-allyl glycidyl ether) copolymer as matrix, were prepared and characterized. Anion conducting networks were obtained by the incorporation of two cyclic diamines named 1,4-diazabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octane (DABCO) and 1-azabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octane (Quinuclidine), neither sensitive to Hoffman elimination. In order to improve the mechanical properties, the membrane was reinforced using polyamide supports. The physicochemical and electrochemical characteristics, namely ionic exchange capacity, swelling ratio, glass transition temperature, thermal stability and ionic conductivity, were evaluated.