Novel anion exchange membranes based on polymerizable imidazolium salt for alkaline fuel cell applications

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Abstract
A new polymerizable imidazolium salt monomer, 1-(4-vinylbenzyl)-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride ([VBMI]Cl), has been readily synthesized by reaction of 4-vinylbenzyl chloride with 1-methylimidazole. Novel anion exchange membranes (AEMs) based on the copolymers of [VBMI]Cl and styrene have been prepared and characterized. Excellent thermostability of the membranes is observed through the thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) curves. Water uptake and ion exchange capacity (IEC) of the OH− form AEMs range from 26.1% to 61.9% and from 0.95 to 1.45 mmol g−1, respectively. This type of AEM displays significant ionic conductivities over the order of 10−2 S cm−1 in deionized water at room temperature, and the membranes are stable in 10 mol L−1NaOH solution at 60 °C for 120 h. For the H2/air single fuel cell at 30 °C with this novel AEM, the peak power density of 33 mW cm−2 is obtained at a current density of 59 mA cm−2.

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