Synthesis and characterization of anion exchange membranes for alkaline direct methanol fuel cells

Alkaline fuel cells suggest solution for the problems of low methanol oxidation kinetics and methanol crossover, which are limiting the development of direct methanol fuel cells. In this work, a novel anion exchange membrane, quaternized poly(aryl ether oxadiazole), was prepared through polycondensation, grafting and quaternization. The ionic conductivity of as-synthesized anion exchange membrane can reach up to 2.79 × 10−2 S/cm at 70 °C. The physical and chemical stability of the anion exchange membranes could also meet the requirement for alkaline direct methanol fuel cells.

► We synthesize quaternized poly(aryl ether oxadiazole) membrane through polycondensation, grafting, brominating and quaternization. ► The membrane has good performance in methanol solution. ► Moreover, the Ion conductivity of the membrane reaches up to 2.90 × 10−2 S/cm. ► It may be used to be alkaline direct methanol fuel cells.