Counter-anion effect on the properties of anion-conducting polymer electrolyte membranes prepared by radiation-induced graft polymerization

Koshikawa, Hiroshi; Yoshimura, Kimio; Sinnananchi, W.; Yamaki, Tetsuya; Asano, Masaharu; Yamamoto, Kazuya*; Yamaguchi, Susumu*; Tanaka, Hirohisa*; Maekawa, Yasunari

Graft-type anion-conducting polymer electrolyte membranes were prepared by the radiation-induced graft polymerization of chloromethylstyrene into poly(ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) films and subsequent quaternization with trimethylamine to evaluate the counter anion effects on fuel cell properties. The hydroxide form was maintained in -saturated water to prevent the bicarbonate formation. The hydroxide form showed conductivity and water uptake four and two times higher than the chloride and bicarbonate forms. The hydroxide form is thermally and chemically less stable, resulting in the tendency to absorb water and to convert to the bicarbonate form.