Synthesis and characterization of novel anion exchange membranes based on imidazolium-type ionic liquid for alkaline fuel cells

Novel anion exchange membranes based on the copolymers of 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AmimCl) ionic liquid either with methyl methacrylate (MMA) or butyl methacrylate (BMA) have been prepared via free radical polymerization. The structures and characteristic properties of the membranes are studied. It is found that the hydroxyl ionic conductivity of the synthesized membrane can reach 3.33 × 10−2 S cm−1 in deionized water at 30 °C. The methanol permeability is less than 10−9 mol cm2 s−1 even at 60 °C. These membranes with imidazolium salt functional groups exhibit superior stability both chemically and thermally as well compared to the alkyl quaternary ammonium functionalized polymers. Therefore, the membranes have good perspectives and great potential for alkaline fuel cell applications.

Research highlights▶ This article briefly highlights the stability both in thermal and chemical of imidazole-type anion exchange membrane. ▶ Building on previous research work in this area, it provides a new way to prepared a novel material, which has many merits, such as high ionic conductivity, excellent chamical stability as well as thermal stability, low methanol permeability. ▶ It provides a new material which has good perspectives and great potential for alkaline fuel cell appliacation.