QPVA/PDDA Anion Exchange Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications

Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) contribute significantly to improving the performance of AEMFCs due to their essential role as hydroxide conductor, electron insulator and gas barrier1,2. High ion-conductivity, excellent mechanical structure and good stability are desirable properties for AEMs in fuel cell application. A series of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) composed of quaternary ammonium poly(vinyl alcohol) (QPVA) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) were prepared by a solution casting technique. The effect of the chemical crosslinker composition on the properties and performance of AEMs was investigated. Chemical structures, morphology, and mechanical properties of AEMs were characterized by FTIR, SEM, and UTM. The performance of AEMs was evaluated by water uptake, swelling degree, ion exchange capacity and OH- conductivity measurement. By introducing 12.5% glutaraldehyde (GA), the QPVA/PDDA AEMs achieved the highest OH- conductivity of 53.09 ms cm−1 at room temperature (Figure 1). The study shows that crosslinked QPVA/PDDA AEMs are potential candidates for anion exchange membrane fuel cells.