Robust anion exchange membranes based on ionic liquid grafted chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/quaternary ammonium functionalized silica for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.

In this study, 1-bromohexyl-1methylpiperidinium bromide (Br-6-MPRD) ionic liquid grafted quaternized chitosan (QCS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blends were composited with glycidyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (GTMAC) quaternized silica (QSiO) at different dosages. Glutaraldehyde (GA) crosslinked the membranes and then processed into hydroxide form with an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution. The resultant IL-QCS/PVA/QSiO membranes exhibit significantly improved ionic conductivity, moderate water absorption and swelling ratio compared with the pristine IL-QCS/PVA anion exchange membrane (AEM).

Effect of Cross-Linking and Surface Treatment on the Functional Properties of Electrospun Polybenzimidazole Separators for Lithium Metal Batteries.

In this work, electrospun PBI separators with a highly porous structure and nanofiber diameter of about 90-150 nm are prepared using a multi-nozzle under controlled conditions for lithium metal batteries. Cross-linking with α, α-dibromo-p-xylene and surface treatment using 4-(chloromethyl) benzoic acid successfully improve the electrochemical as well as mechanical properties of the separators. The resulting separator is endowed with high thermal stability and excellent wettability (1080 to 1150%) with commercial liquid electrolyte than PE and PP (Celgard 2400) separators.

A Review of Recent Chitosan Anion Exchange Membranes for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells.

Considering the critical energy challenges and the generation of zero-emission anion exchange membrane (AEM) sources, chitosan-based anion exchange membranes have garnered considerable interest in fuel cell applications owing to their various advantages, including their eco-friendly nature, flexibility for structural modification, and improved mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability. The present mini-review highlights the advancements of chitosan-based biodegradable anion exchange membranes for fuel cell applications published between 2015 and 2022. Key points from the rigorous literature evaluation are: grafting with various counterions in addition to crosslinking contributed good conductivity and chemical as well as mechanical stability to the membranes; use of the interpenetrating network as well as layered structures, blending, and modified nanomaterials facilitated a significant reduction in membrane swelling and long-term alkaline stability.

Anion Exchange Composite Membranes Composed of Quaternary Ammonium-Functionalized Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) and Silica for Fuel Cell Application.

Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with good alkaline stability and ion conductivity are fabricated by incorporating quaternary ammonium-modified silica into quaternary ammonium-functionalized poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (QPPO). Quaternary ammonium with a long alkyl chain is chemically grafted to the silica during synthesis. Glycidyltrimethylammoniumchloride functionalization on silica (QSiO) is characterized by Fourier transform infrared and transmission electron microscopic techniques.

Hybrid composite membranes of chitosan/sulfonated polyaniline/silica as polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cells.

A series of novel ionic cross-linked chitosan (CS) based hybrid nanocomposites were prepared by using polyaniline/nano silica (PAni/SiO) as inorganic filler and sulfuric acid as an ionic cross-linking agent. The CS-PAni/SiO nanocomposites show enhanced mechanical properties and improved oxidative stabilities. These nanocomposites can be effectively used as environmental friendly proton exchange membranes.