Imidazolium-functionalized poly(ether ether ketone) as membrane and electrode ionomer for low-temperature alkaline membrane direct methanol fuel cell

Xiaoming Yan, Shuang Gu, Gaohong He, Xuemei Wu, Jay Benziger

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

111 Scopus citations

Abstract

A series of imidazolium-functionalized poly(ether ether ketone)s (PEEK-ImOHs) were successfully synthesized by a two-step chloromethylation- Menshutkin reaction followed by hydroxide exchange. PEEK-ImOH membranes with ion exchange capacity (IEC) ranging from 1.56 to 2.24 mmol g-1 were prepared by solution casting. PEEK-ImOHs show selective solubility in aqueous solutions of acetone and tetrahydrofuran, but are insoluble in lower alcohols. PEEK-ImOH membranes with IEC of 2.03 mmol g-1 have high hydroxide conductivity (52 mS cm-1 at 20 C), acceptable water swelling ratio (51% at 60 C), and great tensile strength (78 MPa), and surprising flexibility (elongation-to-break of 168%), and high thermal stability (Decomposition temperature: 193 C). In addition, PEEK-ImOH membranes show low methanol permeability (1.3-6.9 × 10-7 cm2 s-1). PEEK-ImOH membrane was tested in methanol/O2 fuel cell as both the HEM and the ionomer impregnated into the catalyst layer; the open circuit voltage is 0.84 V and the peak power density is 31 mW cm-2.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)90-97
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Power Sources
Volume250
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Keywords

  • Alkaline anion exchange membrane
  • Alkaline membrane direct methanol fuel cell
  • Imidazolium
  • Ionomer
  • Poly(ether ether ketone)

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