High conductivity and dimensional stability brominated poly (aryl piperidinium) anion exchange membranes: Synergistic interaction of hydrophilic and superhydrophobic fluorinated side chains.

Anion-exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) is a promising renewable energy device for hydrogen production. Anion exchange membranes (AEMs), the key component of AEMFCs, is generally needed for excellent dimensional stability and conductivity. Here, we synthesised a variety of AEMs with different number of C–F bonds to enhance the hydrophilic/hydrophobic micro-phase separation structure while maintaining dimensional stability. At 80 °C, the QPBTTP-PEG-10-F 9 shows high OH− conductivity (∼179.02 mS cm−1), excellent dimensional stability (swelling ratio <19 %), and mechanical properties (elongation at break: 37 %, tensile strength: 71 MPa). In addition, QPBTTP-PEG-10-F 9 shows good alkaline stability (conductivity remaining of 92.52 %) in 3 M NaOH solution for 1800 h. The peak power density (PPD) of a single cell assembled with QPBTTP-PEG-10-F 9 can reach 534.79 mW cm−2 with a current density of 951 mA cm−2. [Display omitted] • QPBTTP-PEG-10-F 9 shows high OH− conductivity and excellent dimensional stability. • The PPD of QPBTTP-PEG-10-F 9 is superior to commercial Versogen-A20. • QPBTTP-PEG-10-F 9 shows excellent mechanical properties. • QPBTTP-PEG-10-F 9 shows good alkaline stability in 3 M NaOH solution for 1800 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]