Intrinsic microporous poly(phenyl-alkane)s with pendent piperazinium for high performance anion exchange membrane fuel cells.

Exploring anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with high conductivity and satisfactory stability is very meaningful for the advancement of alkaline fuel cells. Herein, a novel class of intrinsic microporous AEMs with pendent piperazinium are systematically fabricated for alkaline fuel cell performance testing. Contorted and rigid spirobisindane backbone structure expands the free volume of AEMs, inducing broad and interconnected ion transport channels. This unique feature endows membranes a leading advantage for the efficient transmission of hydroxide ions. Consequently, the prepared membrane displays excellent normalized hydroxide conductivity of 78.99 mS g cm−1 mmol−1 at 80 °C. Meanwhile, the hydroxide conductivity degrades by only 8.3 % after treatment in 1 M NaOH for 1000 h at 80 °C. Moreover, the peak power density of H 2 /O 2 single cell employing this membrane exhibits 1.06 W cm−2 at 80 °C and the cell can preserve 93.0 % of its initial voltage after operating for 18 h. [Display omitted] • A systematic approach is developed to prepare intrinsic microporous poly (phenyl-alkane)s containing piperazinium. • The spirobisindane structure facilitates the construction of well-developed ion channels in AEMs. • The intrinsic microporous membrane shows normalized hydroxide conductivity of as high as 78.99 mS g cm−1 mmol−1. • The prepared membrane shows excellent H 2 /O 2 fuel cell performance and durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]