Imidazolium-based anion exchange membranes for alkaline anion fuel cells; Elucidation of the morphology and the interplay between the morphology and properties

Zhao, Y.; Yoshimura, Kimio; Shishitani, Hideyuki*; Yamaguchi, Susumu*; Tanaka, Hirohisa*; Koizumi, Satoshi*; Szekely, N.*; Radulescu, A.*; Richter, D.*; Maekawa, Yasunari

Soft Matter, 12(5), p.1567 - 1578, 2016/02

https://doi.org/10.1039/C5SM02724A

Alkaline durable 2-methyl-1-vinylimidazolium-based anion exchange membranes prepared by radiation-induced grafting for hydrazine hydrate fuel cells

Yoshimura, Kimio; Koshikawa, Hiroshi; Yamaki, Tetsuya; Shishitani, Hideyuki*; Yamaguchi, Susumu*; Tanaka, Hirohisa*; Maekawa, Yasunari

no journal, , 

Since anion-conducting electrolyte membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) such as direct hydrazine fuel cells operated under high temperature and highly basic condition, it is required to develop alkaline durable AEMs. In this work, we synthesized AEM with poly 2-methyl-1-vinylimidazolium grafts by radiation-induced graft coplymerizaiton to protect 2-position of imidazolium ring from alkaline hydroxide ion attack. The AEM with an ion-exchange capacity (IEC) of 1.80 mmol g exhibited ionic conductivity of 123 mS cm at 60C. The durability of the membrane was evaluated. The excellent long-term alkaline stability of the prepared AEM was confirmed in 1M KOH at 80C. Therefore, the protection of 2-position by methyl group suppresses ring opening degradation reactions, resulting in the improvement of the alkaline durability of imidazolium-type AEMs.