A convenient, efficient and green route for preparing anion exchange membranes for potential application in alkaline fuel cells

Novel solvent-free route for anion exchange membranes (AEMs) preparation has been established by employing an in situ bulk polymerization strategy. Specifically, a mixture of vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC) and divinylbenzene (DVB) monomers rather than organic solvents was used to dissolve cardo polyetherketone (PEK-C) to form a uniform solution to be cast onto SEFAR PETEX fibers, then in situ bulk polymerization of VBC and DVB in the presence of PEK-C as an essential polymer intensifier was performed to incorporate PEK-C into poly(VBC-co-DVB) network. After quaternization, a uniform, translucent and robust AEM was obtained. The preparation conditions of the AEMs have been fully investigated and under the optimized conditions, the obtained AEMs exhibited high IEC (1.43–1.76 mmol g−1), favorable water uptake (57.9–82.5%) and hydroxide conductivities (0.019–0.022 S cm−1), excellent mechanical strength (Ts>50 MPa) and low methanol permeability (2.82×10−7 cm2), which are comparable to or better than those of some reported AEMs and implicate great potential for the application in alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AAEMFCs). Apart from endowing the resultant AEMs with gratifying performances, the method employed herein is environment-friendly particularly due to the avoidance of organic solvents.

► Novel solvent-free route for AEMs was developed.
► Route was exemplified by PEK-C–VBC–DVB system.
► Preparation conditions have been fully investigated and optimized.
► Membrane properties are qualified to the application in AAEMFCs.