Sulfonated Fe3O4@SiO2 nanorods incorporated sPVdF nanocomposite membranes for DMFC applications

Effect of Guest Solvents on the Ionic Conductivity and Electrochemical Performance of Metal-Organic Framework-Based Magnesium Semi-Solid Electrolytes

Developing suitable electrolytes is crucial for the advancement of rechargeable magnesium batteries. Recently, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown a great interest in the field of solid electrolytes for metal ion batteries. However, the ionic conductivity as well as the electrolyte stability in the presence of Mg electrodes are shown to be strongly dependent on the guest solvent used to solvate Mg salts in MOFsSEs. Our measurements showed that full evacuation of the MOF structure before semi-solid electrolytes (sSEs) preparation is crucial for achieving relatively low Mg overpotentials regardless of the ionic conductivity values. Moreover, the behavior of the anode/MOFsSEs interfaces (MOF: α-Mg3 [HCOO]6 ; Mg salt : MgCl2 -Mg[TFSI]2 (1 : 1 wt %); guest solvent: acetone, DMF, DEG, DME and tetraglyme) was investigated by EIS, CV and galvanostatic measurements. The current comparative study of the electrochemical deposition processes of magnesium from MOFsSEs revealed that magnesium deposition/dissolution reactions vary depending on the MOF structure, the guest anion species as well as the nature of the guest solvents.

Structural Characterization and Physicochemical Properties of Functionally Porous Proton-Exchange Membrane Based on PVDF-SPA Graft Copolymers

Fluorinated proton-exchange membranes (PEMs) based on graft copolymers of dehydrofluorinated polyvinylidene fluoride (D-PVDF), 3-sulfopropyl acrylate (SPA), and 1H, 1H, 2H-perfluoro-1-hexene (PFH) were prepared via free radical copolymerization and characterized for fuel cell application. The membrane morphology and physical properties were studied via small-(SAXS) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), SEM, and DSC. It was found that the crystallinity degree is 17% for PEM-RCF (co-polymer with SPA) and 16% for PEM-RCF-2 (copolymer with SPA and PFH). The designed membranes possess crystallite grains of 5-6 nm in diameter. SEM images reveal a structure with open pores on the surface of diameters from 20 to 140 nm. Their transport and electrochemical characterization shows that the lowest membrane area resistance (0.9 Ωcm2) is comparable to perfluorosulfonic acid PEMs (such as Nafion®) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) based CJMC cation-exchange membranes (ChemJoy Polymer Materials, China). Key transport and physicochemical properties of new and commercial membranes were compared. The PEM-RCF permeability to NaCl diffusion is rather high, which is due to a relatively low concentration of fixed sulfonate groups. Voltammetry confers that the electrochemical behavior of new PEM correlates to that of commercial cation-exchange membranes, while the ionic conductivity reveals an impact of the extended pores, as in track-etched membranes.

Composite proton exchange membrane for fuel cells based on chitosan modified by acid-base amphoteric nanoparticles

Currently, achieving a simultaneous improvement in proton conductivity and mechanical properties is a key challenge in using chitosan (CS) as a proton exchange membrane (PEM) substrate in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Herein, a novel nanofiller-zwitterionic molecule, (3-(3-aminopropyl) dimethylammonio) propane-1-sulfonate, ADPS)-modified polydopamine (PDA) (PDA-ADPS) was synthesized by the Michael addition reaction and was incorporated into a CS matrix to prepare CS/PDA-ADPS composite membranes. PDA-ADPS, which contains an acid-based ion pair can create new proton conduction channels in the composite membrane, improving proton conductivity. The proton conductivity of the CS/PDA-ADPS composite membrane was as high as 38.4 mS cm-1 at 80 °C. Moreover, due to the excellent compatibility and dispersibility of PDA-ADPS in the CS matrix, the obtained CS/PDA-ADPS composite membranes exhibited favorable mechanical properties. Such outstanding proton conductivity and mechanical properties guarantee good performance of the composite membranes in fuel cells. The peak power density of the CS/PDA-ADPS composite membranes was 30.2 mW cm-2 at 70 °C. This work provides a new strategy for fabricating high-performance CS based PEMs for DMFCs.

Effect of Sulfonated Inorganic Additives Incorporated Hybrid Composite Polymer Membranes on Enhancing the Performance of Microbial Fuel Cells

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) provide considerable benefits in the energy and environmental sectors for producing bioenergy during bioremediation. Recently, new hybrid composite membranes with inorganic additives have been considered for MFC application to replace the high cost of commercial membranes and improve the performances of cost-effective polymers, such as MFC membranes. The homogeneous impregnation of inorganic additives in the polymer matrix effectively enhances the physicochemical, thermal, and mechanical stabilities and prevents the crossover of substrate and oxygen through polymer membranes. However, the typical incorporation of inorganic additives in the membrane decreases the proton conductivity and ion exchange capacity. In this critical review, we systematically explained the impact of sulfonated inorganic additives (such as (sulfonated) sSiO₂, sTiO₂, sFe₃O₄, and s-graphene oxide) on different kinds of hybrid polymers (such as PFSA, PVDF, SPEEK, SPAEK, SSEBS, and PBI) membrane for MFC applications. The membrane mechanism and interaction between the polymers and sulfonated inorganic additives are explained. The impact of sulfonated inorganic additives on polymer membranes is highlighted based on the physicochemical, mechanical, and MFC performances. The core understandings in this review can provide vital direction for future development.

Modified Cellulose Proton-Exchange Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

A direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is an excellent energy device in which direct conversion of methanol to energy occurs, resulting in a high energy conversion rate. For DMFCs, fluoropolymer copolymers are considered excellent proton-exchange membranes (PEMs). However, the high cost and high methanol permeability of commercial membranes are major obstacles to overcome in achieving higher performance in DMFCs. Novel developments have focused on various reliable materials to decrease costs and enhance DMFC performance. From this perspective, cellulose-based materials have been effectively considered as polymers and additives with multiple concepts to develop PEMs for DMFCs. In this review, we have extensively discussed the advances and utilization of cost-effective cellulose materials (microcrystalline cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, cellulose whiskers, cellulose nanofibers, and cellulose acetate) as PEMs for DMFCs. By adding cellulose or cellulose derivatives alone or into the PEM matrix, the performance of DMFCs is attained progressively. To understand the impact of different structures and compositions of cellulose-containing PEMs, they have been classified as functionalized cellulose, grafted cellulose, acid-doped cellulose, cellulose blended with different polymers, and composites with inorganic additives.

Polymer Electrolyte Membranes Containing Functionalized Organic/Inorganic Composite for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Applications

To mitigate the dependence on fossil fuels and the associated global warming issues, numerous studies have focused on the development of eco-friendly energy conversion devices such as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) that directly convert chemical energy into electrical energy. As one of the key components in PEMFCs, polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) should have high proton conductivity and outstanding physicochemical stability during operation. Although the perfluorinated sulfonic acid (PFSA)-based PEMs and some of the hydrocarbon-based PEMs composed of rationally designed polymer structures are found to meet these criteria, there is an ongoing and pressing need to improve and fine-tune these further, to be useful in practical PEMFC operation. Incorporation of organic/inorganic fillers into the polymer matrix is one of the methods shown to be effective for controlling target PEM properties including thermal stability, mechanical properties, and physical stability, as well as proton conductivity. Functionalization of organic/inorganic fillers is critical to optimize the filler efficiency and dispersion, thus resulting in significant improvements to PEM properties. This review focused on the structural engineering of functionalized carbon and silica-based fillers and comparisons of the resulting PEM properties. Newly constructed composite membranes were compared to composite membrane containing non-functionalized fillers or pure polymer matrix membrane without fillers.

Recent advances in dual-filler mixed matrix membranes

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) have been widely developed as an attractive solution to overcome the drawbacks found in most polymer membranes, such as permeability-selectivity trade-off and low physicochemical stability. Numerous fillers based on inorganic, organic, and hybrid materials with various structures including porous or nonporous, and two-dimensional or three-dimensional, have been used. Demanded to further improve the characteristics and performances of the MMMs, the use of dual-filler instead of a single filler has then been proposed, from which multiple effects could be obtained. This article aims to review the recent development of MMMs with dual filler and discuss their performances in diverse potential applications. Challenges in this emerging field and outlook for future research are finally provided.

Facile Fabrication of Multi-Hydrogen Bond Self-Assembly Poly(MAAc-co-MAAm) Hydrogel Modified PVDF Ultrafiltration Membrane to Enhance Anti-Fouling Property

In this work, a facile preparation method was proposed to reduce natural organics fouling of hydrophobic membrane via UV grafting polymerization with methacrylic acid (MAAc) and methyl acrylamide (MAAm) as hydrophilic monomers, followed by multihydrogen bond self-assembly. The resulting poly(vinylidene fluoride)-membranes were characterized with respect to monomer ratio, chemical structure and morphology, surface potential, and water contact angle, as well as water flux and organic foulants ultrafiltration property. The results indicated that the optimal membrane modified with a poly(MAAc-co-MAAm) polymer gel layer derived from a 1:1 monomer ratio exhibited superior hydrophilicity and excellent gel layer stability, even after ultrasonic treatment or soaking in acid or alkaline aqueous solution. The initial water contact angle of modified membranes was only 36.6° ± 2.9, and dropped to 0° within 13 s. Moreover, flux recovery rates (FRR) of modified membranes tested by bovine serum albumin (BSA), humic acid (HA), and sodium alginate (SA) solution, respectively, were all above 90% after one-cycle filtration (2 h), significantly higher than that of the pure membrane (70–76%). The total fouling rates (R_t) of the pure membrane for three foulants were as high as 47.8–56.2%, while the R_t values for modified membranes were less than 30.8%. Where R_t of BSA dynamic filtration was merely 10.7%. The membrane designed through grafting a thin-layer hydrophilic hydrogel possessed a robust antifouling property and stability, which offers new insights for applications in pure water treatment or protein purification.

Enhancing Physicochemical Properties and Single Cell Performance of Sulfonated Poly(arylene ether) (SPAE) Membrane by Incorporation of Phosphotungstic Acid and Graphene Oxide: A Potential Electrolyte for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

The development of potential and novel proton exchange membranes (PEMs) is imperative for the further commercialization of PEM fuel cells (PEMFCs). In this work, phosphotungstic acid (PWA) and graphene oxide (GO) were integrated into sulfonated poly(arylene ether) (SPAE) through a solution casting approach to create a potential composite membrane for PEMFC applications. Thermal stability of membranes was observed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the SPAE/GO/PWA membranes exhibited high thermal stability compared to pristine SPAE membranes, owing to the interaction between SPAEK, GO, and PWA. By using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM), we observed that GO and PWA were evenly distributed throughout the SPAE matrix. The SPAE/GO/PWA composite membrane comprising 0.7 wt% GO and 36 wt% PWA exhibited a maximum proton conductivity of 186.3 mS cm^-1 at 90 °C under 100% relative humidity (RH). As a result, SPAE/GO/PWA composite membrane exhibited 193.3 mW cm^-2 of the maximum power density at 70 °C under 100% RH in PEMFCs.

A Robust Composite Proton Exchange Membrane of Sulfonated Poly (Fluorenyl Ether Ketone) with an Electrospun Polyimide Mat for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells Application

As a key component of direct methanol fuel cells, proton exchange membranes with suitable thickness and robust mechanical properties have attracted increasing attention. On the one hand, a thinner membrane gives a lower internal resistance, which contributes highly to the overall electrochemical performance of the cell, on the other hand, strong mechanical strength is required for the application of proton exchange membranes. In this work, a sulfonated poly (fluorenyl ether ketone) (SPFEK)-impregnated polyimide nanofiber mat composite membrane (PI@SPFEK) was fabricated. The new composite membrane with a thickness of about 55 μm exhibited a tensile strength of 35.1 MPa in a hydrated state, which is about 65.8% higher than that of the pristine SPFEK membrane. The antioxidant stability test in Fenton’s reagent shows that the reinforced membrane affords better oxidation stability than does the pristine SPFEK membrane. Furthermore, the morphology, proton conductivity, methanol permeability, and fuel cell performance were carefully evaluated and discussed.

Cellular Polyolefin Composites as Piezoelectric Materials: Properties and Applications

Piezoelectric polymers characterized by flexibility are sought for applications in microelectronics, medicine, telecommunications, and everyday devices. The objective of this work was to obtain piezoelectric polymeric composites with a cellular structure and to evaluate their usefulness in practice. Composites based on polyolefins (isotactic-polypropylene and polyethylene) with the addition of aluminosilicate fillers were manufactured by extrusion, and then polarized in a constant electric field at 100 V/µm. The content of mineral fillers up to 10 wt% in the polymer matrix enhances its electric stability and mechanical strength. The value of the piezoelectric coefficient d₃₃ attained ~150 pC/N in the range of lower stresses and ~80 pC/N in the range of higher stresses, i.e., at ~120 kPa. The materials exhibited high durability in time, therefore, they can be used as transducers of mechanical energy of the human motion into electric energy. It was demonstrated that one shoe insert generates an energy of 1.1 mJ after a person walks for 300 s. The miniaturized integrated circuits based on polyolefin composites may be applied for the power supply of portable electronics. Due to their high sensitivity, they can be recommended for measuring the blood pulse.

Multiscale Structural Evolution and Its Relationship to Dielectric Properties of Micro-/Nano-Layer Coextruded PVDF-HFP/PC Films

An understanding of the structural evolution in micro-/nano-layer co-extrusion process is essential to fabricate high-performance multilayered products. Therefore, in this work, we reveal systematically the multiscale structural development, involving both the layer architecture and microstructure within layers of micro-/nano-layer coextruded polymer films, as well as its relationship to dielectric properties, based on poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP)/polycarbonate (PC) system. Interestingly, layer architecture and morphology show strong dependences on the nominal layer thicknesses. Particularly, with layer thickness reduced to nanometer scale, interfacial instabilities triggered by viscoelastic differences between components emerge with the creation of micro-droplets and micro-sheets. Films show an enhanced crystallization with the formation of two-dimensional (2D) spherulites in microlayer coextruded systems and the oriented in-plane lamellae in nanolayer coextruded counterparts, where layer breakup in the thinner layers further changes the crystallization behaviors. These macro- and microscopic structures, developed from the co-extrusion process, substantially influence the dielectric properties of coextruded films. Mechanism responsible for dielectric performance is further proposed by considering these effects of multiscale structure on the dipole switching and charge hopping in the multilayered structures. This work clearly demonstrates how the multiscale structural evolution during the micro-/nano-layer coextrusion process can control the dielectric properties of multilayered products.

The hierarchical flower-like MoS2 nanosheets incorporated into PES mixed matrix membranes for enhanced separation performance

Membrane fouling is an issue of concern due to the hydrophobic properties of polyethersulfone (PES) membrane when applied in water treatment. In this work, a facile hydrothermal method was utilized to synthesize hierarchical flower-like structured molybdenum disulfide nanosheets (HF-MoS2 NSs) that then incorporated into PES membranes as composite membranes. We characterized their permeability, the separation performance, the antifouling performance, and the antibacterial activity systematically. Results showed that composite membranes exhibited a better pure water flux (286 LMH/bar) at the HF-MoS₂ NSs content of 0.4 wt%, which was 1.8 times higher than the control membrane. Also, composite PES membranes achieved 98.2% and 96.9% rejection of BSA and HA in comparison with the control PES membrane (87.3%, and 84.5%, respectively). Compare to the control PES membrane, the flux recovery ratio of the composite membrane increased from 69% to 88% for BSA fouling and increased from 84% to 93% for HA fouling. The retention rate for the organic dyes also improved slightly after HF-MoS2 NSs incorporation into the membrane. Additionally, the composite membranes exhibited a relatively high antibacterial activity against E. coli and B. subtilis with antibacterial rates of 67.8% and 82.5%, respectively. In conclusion, HF-MoS2 NSs incorporated composite membranes were shown to have outstanding filtration performance and could be a promising candidate for practical application in water filtration.

A promising Al-CeZrO4/HPW-incorporated SPEEK composite membrane with improved proton conductivity and chemical stability for PEM fuel cells

An improved sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) nanocomposite membrane was prepared by incorporating both phosphotungstic acid (HPW) and Al doped cerium-based oxides (Al-CeZrO4) in SPEEK matrix. The HPW was immobilized by Al-CeZrO4 so that firmly dispersed acid–base pairs were formed. The introduction of Al-CeZrO4 helped improve the chemical stability of the pristine (baseline) SPEEK membrane without compromising the conductivity, and the addition of HPW further enhanced the conduction of protons through acid–base interactions. Stability tests showed that when the SPEEK/Al-CeZrO4 nanocomposite membrane was immersed in a Fenton’s solution for 108 h at 80°C, a loss of 34.9% in proton conductivity was observed, which is 24.1% less than that of the pristine SPEEK membrane, indicating that the attenuation of membrane proton conductivity was inhibited. At the same time, the proton conductivity of the SPEEK/Al-CeZrO4/HPW nanocomposite membrane (that has already incorporated HPW) was increased by 15.5% compared to the SPEEK/Al-CeZrO4 nanocomposite membrane. Hence, Al-CeZrO4/HPW is considered as an effective inorganic nanofiller for improving both proton conductivity and chemical stability of SPEEK membranes, and the hybrid composite membrane is worth further studying.

Effect of Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) Treatment on the Dielectric Properties of Poly(vinylidene fluoride)(PVDF)-Based Copolymer

Understanding the mechanism of dielectric breakdown is important for improving the breakdown field of a polymer. In this work, dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) treatment was applied to one surface of P(VDF-CTFE) (vinylidene fluoride-chlorotrifluoroethylene) film, and the dielectric properties of the film were studied. When the treated surface was connected to the high potential side of the power source for the breakdown test, the breakdown field of the treated film was significantly reduced compared to that of the pristine film. Based on the characterization results for the surface chemistry and morphology, it was proposed that the phenomenon was caused by the combined effects of hole injection from the metal electrode and the damage of polymer chains near the surface of the polymer film after the DBD treatment process.

Performance of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Application: Perspective on Morphological Structure

Membrane morphology plays a great role in determining the performance of polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs), especially for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications. Membrane morphology can be divided into two types, which are dense and porous structures. Membrane fabrication methods have different configurations, including dense, thin and thick, layered, sandwiched and pore-filling membranes. All these types of membranes possess the same densely packed structural morphology, which limits the transportation of protons, even at a low methanol crossover. This paper summarizes our work on the development of PEMs with various structures and architecture that can affect the membrane's performance, in terms of microstructures and morphologies, for potential applications in DMFCs. An understanding of the transport behavior of protons and methanol within the pores' limits could give some perspective in the delivery of new porous electrolyte membranes for DMFC applications.

Fabrication of layered membrane electrolytes with spin coating technique as anhydrous proton exchange membranes

Spin coating technique is a simple and effective method to fabricate layered membranes and it has been widely used in the field of energy storage and transformation, biomaterials and electronics. The aim of this work is to develop anhydrous proton exchange membranes (PEMs) based on cheap polymers bearing the simple structure with spin coating technique. Successful fabrication of anhydrous PEMs based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer, cadmium telluride (CdTe) nanocrystals and phosphoric acid (PA) molecules has been demonstrated by identification of high and stable proton conductivity. Specifically, (PVDF-CdTe-PA)₅/85%PA membranes present the maximum proton conductivity of 7.70 × 10^-2 S/cm at 160 °C and 1.42 × 10^-2 S/cm at 140 °C lasting 620 h. The decreased proton conduction resistance is revealed from the drastic reduction of activation energy (Ea) owing to the layered structure and the adsorption of PA molecules. The introduction of CdTe nanocrystals to form the organic/inorganic composite membranes that is substantially more effective at improving proton conductivity and stiffness, showing great promise in solving the dilemma of proton conductivity and mechanical property. This study provides the support to exploit anhydrous PEMs with more cheap polymers using spin coating technique.

Improved Physicochemical Stability and High Ion Transportation of Poly(Arylene Ether Sulfone) Blocks Containing a Fluorinated Hydrophobic Part for Anion Exchange Membrane Applications

A series of anion exchange membranes composed of partially fluorinated poly(arylene ether sulfone)s (PAESs) multiblock copolymers bearing quaternary ammonium groups were synthesized with controlled lengths of the hydrophilic precursor and hydrophobic oligomer via direct polycondensation. The chloromethylation and quaternization proceeded well by optimizing the reaction conditions to improve hydroxide conductivity and physical stability, and the fabricated membranes were very flexible and transparent. Atomic force microscope images of quaternized PAES (QN-PAES) membranes showed excellent hydrophilic/hydrophobic phase separation and distinct ion transition channels. An extended architecture of phase separation was observed by increasing the hydrophilic oligomer length, which resulted in significant improvements in the water uptake, ion exchange capacity, and hydroxide conductivity. Furthermore, the open circuit voltage (OCV) of QN-PAES X10Y23 and X10Y13 was found to be above 0.9 V, and the maximum power density of QN-PAES X10Y13 was 131.7 mW cm-2 at 60 °C under 100% RH.

Synergy between Isomorphous Acid and Basic Metal-Organic Frameworks for Anhydrous Proton Conduction of Low-Cost Hybrid Membranes at High Temperatures

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) embedded in polymer have showed efficiency in improving proton conduction of hybrid membranes under hydrated conditions. However, anhydrous proton conduction of such hybrid membranes over 100 °C remains great challenge. Here, proton conductive hybrid membranes combined acid group (-SO₃H)- and basic group (-NH₂)-modified isomorphous MOFs, namely UiO-66(SO₃H) (abbreviated as A, the initial of acid) and UiO-66(NH₂) (abbreviated as B, the initial of basic) and a low-cost polymer (chitosan, CS) were prepared. The proton conductivity of the optimum dual MOF-cofilled hybrid membranes (CS/A + B) reached 3.78 × 10^-3 S/cm at 120 °C and under anhydrous conditions, under which each component, that is MOF A, MOF B and CS, and single MOF-filled hybrid membranes (CS/A and CS/B) nearly lost proton conduction without exception, producing unprecedented results of one plus one more greater than two. The synergistic effects among UiO-66(SO₃H), UiO-66(NH₂), and CS on improving conductivity are also observed under hydrated conditions, the highest proton conductivity of CS/A + B reached 5.2 × 10^-2 S/cm, which is 1.86, compared to that of the pure CS membrane at 100 °C and 98% relative humidity. The anhydrous proton conductivity of CS/A + B over 100 °C is one of the highest for MOF-based hybrid membranes. MOFs and hybrid membranes were extensively characterized and the proton conductive mechanism was revealed. The achievements open a new avenue for MOF-based anhydrous proton-conducting membranes and would advance the exploration of future application of these MOFs in fuel cells.

Magnetic field-oriented ferroferric oxide/poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) hybrid membranes for anion exchange membrane applications

Concentrating on the ion conductivity of anion exchange membranes (AEMs), we present a magnetic-field-oriented strategy to address the insufficient ion conductivity and the lifetime problem of AEMs used in alkali membrane fuel cells (AMFCs). Magnetic ferroferric oxide (Fe₃O₄) is functionalized with quaternary ammonium (QA) groups to endow the QA-Fe₃O₄ with ion-exchange ability. A series of aligned QA-Fe₃O₄/poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) hybrid membranes were fabricated by doping QA-Fe₃O₄ in a triple-ammonium-functionalized PPO (TA-PPO) solution in an applied magnetic field. The structure of aligned QA-Fe₃O₄ in the TA-PPO membrane is clearly observed by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). More importantly, the aligned QA-Fe₃O₄ constructs successive and effective ion-transport channels in the QA-Fe₃O₄/TA-PPO membrane, which dramatically improves the ion conductivity of the membranes. Notably, the magnetic-field-induced ion channels (MICs) are different from microscopic phase-induced ion channels (PICs). These MICs display much shorter ion transport distances and broader water channels than traditional PICs in AEMs. The aligned QA-Fe₃O₄/TA-PPO hybrid membrane displays a further 55% increase in ion conductivity after magnetic-field orientation compared to the normal QA-Fe₃O₄/TA-PPO membrane. Surprisingly, the aligned QA-Fe₃O₄ also improves the alkali stability and fuel cell performance of the hybrid membrane. The aligned 6%-QA-Fe₃O₄/TA-PPO hybrid membrane realizes a maximal power density of 224 mW cm^-2. In summary, this work provides a novel and effective method to prepare high-performance AEMs.