1
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Chen N, Hu C, Lee YM. Poly(Aryl- co-Aryl Piperidinium) Copolymers for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells and Water Electrolyzers. Acc Chem Res 2025; 58:688-702. [PMID: 39930735 PMCID: PMC11883724 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2024] [Revised: 01/27/2025] [Accepted: 01/28/2025] [Indexed: 03/05/2025]
Abstract
Next-generation cost-effective anion exchange membrane (AEM) fuel cells (AEMFCs) and AEM water electrolyzers (AEMWEs) have emerged as promising alternatives to costly proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells and water electrolyzers due to the possibility of utilizing platinum-group-metal (PGM)-free catalysts and phasing out unsustainable perfluorosulfonic acid polymers. Anion exchange polyelectrolytes (AEPs), which can be utilized as AEMs or ionomers, are pivotal materials in AEM devices. Despite extensive exploration in the past decade, the application of AEPs has been significantly impeded by their poor ionic conductivity, insufficient alkaline stability, and unfavorable mechanical properties. Therefore, developing highly conductive and robust AEPs is critical to the success of AEMFCs and AEMWEs. (i) Our group has developed a series of highly conductive and durable poly(aryl-co-aryl piperidinium) (c-PAP) AEPs to address the aforementioned issues. c-PAP AEMs and ionomers enable outstanding OH- conductivity (>160 mS cm-1 at 80 °C), alkaline stability (1 M NaOH at 80 °C > 2000 h), dimensional stability, and mechanical properties (tensile strength > 80 MPa), giving them all the properties required for applications in AEM devices. (ii) Based on c-PAP AEMs and ionomers, we have developed high-performance AEMFCs and AEMWEs, as well as provided insights into the ionomer research and the design of membrane electrode assemblies. Typically, c-PAP AEMFCs reached the topmost peak power densities (PPDs) of 2.7 W cm-2 at 80 °C in H2-O2 along with 1000 h cell durability. Moreover, cathode-dried AEMWEs achieved a record-breaking current density of 17 A cm-2 in 1 M KOH, and the cell can be run stably at a 1.5 A cm-2 current density for over 2000 h. The remarkable performances achieved by this new class of c-PAP AEPs identify them as the most promising candidates for practical applications in AEMFCs and AEMWEs. In this account, we will elaborate on our strategies and methodologies associated with c-PAP AEPs and AEM devices, covering the screening and identification of highly durable cation head groups and molecular-engineering approaches to design c-PAP AEMs and ionomers. Moreover, we underscore our strategy in terms of developing highly efficient and durable AEMFCs and AEMWEs. We also elucidate different approaches for further enhancing the ion conductivity and mechanical stability of c-PAP AEMs, including the design of backbones and side chains, cross-linking, and reinforcement. We firmly believe that our series of studies has made substantial contributions to the fields of AEM, ionomers, AEMFCs, and AEMWEs, which have advanced AEM technology to be on par with PEM technology, opening a new avenue for commercialization of AEMFCs and AEMWEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanjun Chen
- Department
of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic
of Korea
- State
Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen
University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Chuan Hu
- Department
of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic
of Korea
- School
of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 210018, China
| | - Young Moo Lee
- Department
of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic
of Korea
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2
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Jana S, Parthiban A, Rusli W. Polymer material innovations for a green hydrogen economy. Chem Commun (Camb) 2025; 61:3233-3249. [PMID: 39847386 DOI: 10.1039/d4cc05750c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2025]
Abstract
Polymeric materials are ubiquitous in modern life. Similar to many other technological applications, polymer materials are essential in advancing the green hydrogen economy, offering solutions for hydrogen production, storage, transport, and utilization. In production, polymeric proton exchange membranes in water electrolysers enable efficient green hydrogen generation using renewable energy. Polymer-based composite tanks provide lightweight, high-strength on-board storage options for vehicles, enhancing safety and reducing costs. Polymeric proton exchange membranes in fuel cells efficiently convert hydrogen into electricity. Polymers also support hydrogen infrastructure with corrosion-resistant, durable pipelines, distribution ports and as hydrogen sensors. Additionally, porous and reversible hydrogenated-to-dehydrogenated forms of polymers show promise for material-based storage systems. This review highlights the role of polymer materials, their current advancements supporting a green hydrogen economy as a solution for a low-carbon future and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satyasankar Jana
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Singapore 627833, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Anbanandam Parthiban
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Singapore 627833, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Wendy Rusli
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Singapore 627833, Republic of Singapore.
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3
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Rico‐Martínez S, Cho HK, Hu C, Lee YJ, Miguel JA, Lozano AE, Lee YM. Porous Organic Polymers as Ionomers for High-Performance Alkaline Membrane Water Electrolysis. CHEMSUSCHEM 2025; 18:e202401659. [PMID: 39237459 PMCID: PMC11789988 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202401659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Sustainable hydrogen production is focused on anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolyzers (AEMWEs), which still require more development to achieve high performance and durability. Here, we propose a novel class of porous organic polymers (POPs) as durable solid-ionomers for AEMWEs, which was prepared by reacting the 4-methylpiperidone with trifunctional or a mixture of trifunctional:difunctional aromatic monomers (in a 2 : 3 mol ratio). The resulting POP ionomers exhibited exceptional electrochemical properties and remarkable alkaline stability. Particularly noteworthy are the corresponding AEMWEs, which showed an outstanding current density of 13.4 A cm-2 at 2.0 V under 80 °C in 1 M KOH solution, which is the highest performance reported in the particulate-ionomers AEMWE state of the art. Moreover, they demonstrated durability at a current density of 0.5 A cm-2 for over 500 h with a voltage decay rate of 120 μV h-1. This work offers valuable perspectives on the designing of robust and high-performance solid-state ionomers through low-cost electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions for high-performance energy conversion devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Rico‐Martínez
- IU CINQUIMADepartment of Inorganic ChemistryFaculty of ScienceUniversity of Valladolid47011ValladolidSpain
- Department of Energy EngineeringHanyang UniversitySeoul04763South Korea
| | - Hyeon Keun Cho
- Department of Energy EngineeringHanyang UniversitySeoul04763South Korea
| | - Chuan Hu
- Department of Energy EngineeringHanyang UniversitySeoul04763South Korea
- School of Energy and EnvironmentSoutheast UniversityNanjing211189China
| | - Young Jun Lee
- Department of Energy EngineeringHanyang UniversitySeoul04763South Korea
| | - Jesús A. Miguel
- IU CINQUIMADepartment of Inorganic ChemistryFaculty of ScienceUniversity of Valladolid47011ValladolidSpain
| | - Angel E. Lozano
- IU CINQUIMADepartment of Inorganic ChemistryFaculty of ScienceUniversity of Valladolid47011ValladolidSpain
- Institute of Polymer Science and TechnologyICTP-CSIC28006MadridSpain
- Surfaces and porous materials (SMAP)University of Valladolid47011ValladolidSpain
| | - Young Moo Lee
- Department of Energy EngineeringHanyang UniversitySeoul04763South Korea
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4
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Hu C, Wang Y, Lee YM. Ether-Free Alkaline Polyelectrolytes for Water Electrolyzers: Recent Advances and Perspectives. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2025; 64:e202418324. [PMID: 39485307 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202418324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2024] [Revised: 10/31/2024] [Accepted: 11/01/2024] [Indexed: 11/03/2024]
Abstract
Anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolyzers (AEMWEs) have attracted great interest for their potential as sustainable, environmentally friendly, low-cost sources of renewable energy. Alkaline polyelectrolytes play a crucial role in AEMWEs, determining their performance and longevity. Because heteroatom-containing polymers have been shown to have poor durability in alkaline conditions, this review focuses on ether-free alkaline polyelectrolytes, which are more chemically stable. The merits, weaknesses, and challenges in preparing ether-free AEMs are summarized and highlighted. The evaluation of synthesis methods for polymers, modification strategies, and cationic stability will provide insights valuable for the structural design of future alkaline polyelectrolytes. Moreover, the in situ degradation mechanisms of AEMs and ionomers during AEMWE operation are revealed. This review provides insights into the design of alkaline polyelectrolytes for AEMWEs to accelerate their widespread commercialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Hu
- Department of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, No. 2, Southeast University Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yong Wang
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, No. 2, Southeast University Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Young Moo Lee
- Department of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
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5
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Chu D, Shao R, Zhang J, Zhou Q, Zheng Z, Xu Y, Liu L. Partially PEG-Grafted Poly(Terphenyl Piperidinium) Anion Exchange Membranes with Balanced Properties for Alkaline Fuel Cells. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024; 45:e2400336. [PMID: 38924226 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) or oligo (ethylene glycol) (OEG) grafted anion exchange membranes (AEMs) exhibit improved ionic conductivity, high alkaline stability, and subsequent boosted AEM fuel cell performance, but too much PEG/OEG side chains may can result in a reduction in the ion exchange capacity (IEC), which can have adverse effects on ion transport. Here, a series of partially PEG-grafted poly(terphenyl piperidinium) with different side chain length are synthesized using simple postpolymerization modification to produce AEMs with balanced properties. The polar and flexible PEG side chains are responsible for the controlled water uptake and swelling, superior hydroxide conductivity (122 mS cm-1 at 80 °C with an IEC of 1.99 mmol g-1), and enhanced alkaline stability compared to the reference sample without PEG grafts (PTP). More importantly, the performance of AEM fuel cell (AEMFC) with the membrane containing partial PEG side chains surpasses that with PTP membrane, demonstrating a highest peak power density of 1110 mW cm-2 at 80 °C under optimized conditions. This work provides a novel approach to the fabrication of high-performance AEM materials with balanced properties for alkaline fuel cell application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongrui Chu
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Runan Shao
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Qiyu Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Zhichao Zheng
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Yangyang Xu
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241002, China
| | - Lei Liu
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241002, China
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6
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Henkensmeier D, Cho WC, Jannasch P, Stojadinovic J, Li Q, Aili D, Jensen JO. Separators and Membranes for Advanced Alkaline Water Electrolysis. Chem Rev 2024; 124:6393-6443. [PMID: 38669641 PMCID: PMC11117188 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Traditionally, alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) uses diaphragms to separate anode and cathode and is operated with 5-7 M KOH feed solutions. The ban of asbestos diaphragms led to the development of polymeric diaphragms, which are now the state of the art material. A promising alternative is the ion solvating membrane. Recent developments show that high conductivities can also be obtained in 1 M KOH. A third technology is based on anion exchange membranes (AEM); because these systems use 0-1 M KOH feed solutions to balance the trade-off between conductivity and the AEM's lifetime in alkaline environment, it makes sense to treat them separately as AEM WE. However, the lifetime of AEM increased strongly over the last 10 years, and some electrode-related issues like oxidation of the ionomer binder at the anode can be mitigated by using KOH feed solutions. Therefore, AWE and AEM WE may get more similar in the future, and this review focuses on the developments in polymeric diaphragms, ion solvating membranes, and AEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Henkensmeier
- Hydrogen
· Fuel Cell Research Center, Korea
Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division
of Energy & Environment Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST
Green School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Chul Cho
- Department
of Future Energy Convergence, Seoul National
University of Science & Technology, 232 Gongreung-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01811, Korea
| | - Patric Jannasch
- Polymer
& Materials Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Qingfeng Li
- Department
of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical
University of Denmark (DTU), Fysikvej 310, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - David Aili
- Department
of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical
University of Denmark (DTU), Fysikvej 310, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jens Oluf Jensen
- Department
of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical
University of Denmark (DTU), Fysikvej 310, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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7
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Hu C, Kang HW, Jung SW, Zhang X, Lee YJ, Kang NY, Park CH, Lee YM. Stabilizing the Catalyst Layer for Durable and High Performance Alkaline Membrane Fuel Cells and Water Electrolyzers. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2024; 10:603-614. [PMID: 38559301 PMCID: PMC10979504 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c01490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Anion exchange membrane (AEM) fuel cells (AEMFCs) and water electrolyzers (AEMWEs) suffer from insufficient performance and durability compared with commercialized energy conversion systems. Great efforts have been devoted to designing high-quality AEMs and catalysts. However, the significance of the stability of the catalyst layer has been largely disregarded. Here, an in situ cross-linking strategy was developed to promote the interactions within the catalyst layer and the interactions between catalyst layer and AEM. The adhesion strength of the catalyst layer after cross-linking was improved 7 times compared with the uncross-linked catalyst layer due to the formation of covalent bonds between the catalyst layer and AEM. The AEMFC can be operated under 0.6 A cm-2 for 1000 h with a voltage decay rate of 20 μV h-1. The related AEMWE achieved an unprecedented current density of 15.17 A cm-2 at 2.0 V and was operated at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 A cm-2 for 1000 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Hu
- Department
of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic
of Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Kang
- Department
of Energy Engineering, Future Convergence Technology Research Institute, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52725, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Won Jung
- Department
of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic
of Korea
| | - Xiaohua Zhang
- Department
of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic
of Korea
| | - Young Jun Lee
- Department
of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic
of Korea
| | - Na Yoon Kang
- Department
of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic
of Korea
| | - Chi Hoon Park
- Department
of Energy Engineering, Future Convergence Technology Research Institute, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52725, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Moo Lee
- Department
of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic
of Korea
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8
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Zhang S, Ma W, Tian L, Kong D, Zhu Q, Wang F, Zhu H. Twisted Poly( p-terphenyl- co- m-terphenyl)-Based Anion Exchange Membrane for Water Electrolysis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:7660-7669. [PMID: 38295432 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c15525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
In order to improve the mechanical and water electrolysis performance of anion exchange membranes (AEMs), we adjusted the ratio between p-terphenyl and m-terphenyl to balance the backbone conformation, which gives it a better suitability for a better combination with cations. The results showed that poly(m-terphenyl-co-p-terphenyl)-based AEMs have excellent mechanical properties. Among them, the m-p-TP-40-BOP-ASU membrane has the highest tensile strength and elongation at break (75.72 MPa and 16.07%). The ionic conductivity reaches 137.14 mS cm-1 at 80 °C owing to the fact that efficient ion-conducting channels are formed by well-balanced molecular structures. The current density of the m-p-TP-40-BOP-ASU membrane reached 1.96 A cm-2 (1 M KOH aq, 2.0 V and 60 °C). After testing for 112 h under a current density of 500 mA cm-2, the voltage increased by 102 mV compared to the initial electrolysis voltage. All results have shown that m-p-TP-x-BOP-ASU has excellent electrolysis performance and electrochemical durability and has a promising application prospect in AEM water electrolyzers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Institute of Modern Catalysis, Department of Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Wenli Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Institute of Modern Catalysis, Department of Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Lin Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Institute of Modern Catalysis, Department of Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Defang Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Institute of Modern Catalysis, Department of Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Qingqing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Institute of Modern Catalysis, Department of Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Fanghui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Institute of Modern Catalysis, Department of Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Hong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Institute of Modern Catalysis, Department of Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
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9
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Hu C, Kang HW, Jung SW, Liu ML, Lee YJ, Park JH, Kang NY, Kim MG, Yoo SJ, Park CH, Lee YM. High Free Volume Polyelectrolytes for Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers with a Current Density of 13.39 A cm -2 and a Durability of 1000 h. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306988. [PMID: 38044283 PMCID: PMC10837377 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The rational design of the current anion exchange polyelectrolytes (AEPs) is challenging to meet the requirements of both high performance and durability in anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs). Herein, highly-rigid-twisted spirobisindane monomer is incorporated in poly(aryl-co-aryl piperidinium) backbone to construct continuous ionic channels and to maintain dimensional stability as promising materials for AEPs. The morphologies, physical, and electrochemical properties of the AEPs are investigated based on experimental data and molecular dynamics simulations. The present AEPs possess high free volumes, excellent dimensional stability, hydroxide conductivity (208.1 mS cm-1 at 80 °C), and mechanical properties. The AEMWE of the present AEPs achieves a new current density record of 13.39 and 10.7 A cm-2 at 80 °C by applying IrO2 and nonprecious anode catalyst, respectively, along with outstanding in situ durability under 1 A cm-2 for 1000 h with a low voltage decay rate of 53 µV h-1 . Moreover, the AEPs can be applied in fuel cells and reach a power density of 2.02 W cm-2 at 80 °C under fully humidified conditions, and 1.65 W cm-2 at 100 °C, 30% relative humidity. This study provides insights into the design of high-performance AEPs for energy conversion devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Hu
- Department of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Kang
- Department of Energy Engineering, Future Convergence Technology Research Institute, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52725, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Won Jung
- Department of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Mei-Ling Liu
- Department of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Jun Lee
- Department of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hyeong Park
- Department of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Na Yoon Kang
- Department of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong-Geun Kim
- Hydrogen Fuel Cell Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Jong Yoo
- Hydrogen Fuel Cell Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi Hoon Park
- Department of Energy Engineering, Future Convergence Technology Research Institute, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52725, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Moo Lee
- Department of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
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10
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Hu C, Kang NY, Kang HW, Lee JY, Zhang X, Lee YJ, Jung SW, Park JH, Kim MG, Yoo SJ, Lee SY, Park CH, Lee YM. Triptycene Branched Poly(aryl-co-aryl piperidinium) Electrolytes for Alkaline Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells and Water Electrolyzers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202316697. [PMID: 38063325 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202316697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Alkaline polymer electrolytes (APEs) are essential materials for alkaline energy conversion devices such as anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) and water electrolyzers (AEMWEs). Here, we report a series of branched poly(aryl-co-aryl piperidinium) with different branching agents (triptycene: highly-rigid, three-dimensional structure; triphenylbenzene: planar, two-dimensional structure) for high-performance APEs. Among them, triptycene branched APEs showed excellent hydroxide conductivity (193.5 mS cm-1 @80 °C), alkaline stability, mechanical properties, and dimensional stability due to the formation of branched network structures, and increased free volume. AEMFCs based on triptycene-branched APEs reached promising peak power densities of 2.503 and 1.705 W cm-2 at 75/100 % and 30/30 % (anode/cathode) relative humidity, respectively. In addition, the fuel cells can run stably at a current density of 0.6 A cm-2 for 500 h with a low voltage decay rate of 46 μV h-1 . Importantly, the related AEMWE achieved unprecedented current densities of 16 A cm-2 and 14.17 A cm-2 (@2 V, 80 °C, 1 M NaOH) using precious and non-precious metal catalysts, respectively. Moreover, the AEMWE can be stably operated under 1.5 A cm-2 at 60 °C for 2000 h. The excellent results suggest that the triptycene-branched APEs are promising candidates for future AEMFC and AEMWE applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Hu
- Department of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Na Yoon Kang
- Department of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Kang
- Department of Energy Engineering, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52725, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Yeon Lee
- Hydrogen⋅Fuel Cell Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiaohua Zhang
- Department of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Jun Lee
- Department of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Won Jung
- Department of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hyeong Park
- Department of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong-Geun Kim
- Hydrogen⋅Fuel Cell Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Jong Yoo
- Hydrogen⋅Fuel Cell Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Energy & Environment Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
- KHU-KIST Department of Converging Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of. Korea
| | - So Young Lee
- Hydrogen⋅Fuel Cell Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi Hoon Park
- Department of Energy Engineering, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52725, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Moo Lee
- Department of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
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11
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Li F, Chan SH, Tu Z. Recent Development of Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells and Performance Optimization Strategies: A Review. CHEM REC 2024; 24:e202300067. [PMID: 37350372 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202300067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) are the most promising low-temperature fuel cells and have received extensive attention. Compared to PEMFCs, the cost per unit of power can be significantly reduced for AEMFCs because, in theory, they allow the usage of non-precious metal catalysts and low-cost cell components. Owing to the development of advanced materials and performance improvement strategies, AEMFCs have achieved new records in both initial performance and durability. However, the high performance currently achieved is contingent on certain conditions, e. g., high Pt loading, large gas flowrates, and operation in pure O2 , which are far from practical applications. Therefore, the transition to commercially relevant performance and durability is the next goal of AEMFCs. This paper reviews the performance data of H2 -fueled AEMFCs since 2010 and summarizes possible performance optimization schemes, which can provide useful insights for developing next-generation AEMFCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangju Li
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Siew Hwa Chan
- Energy Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 637553, Singapore
| | - Zhengkai Tu
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
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Chen H, Bang KT, Tian Y, Hu C, Tao R, Yuan Y, Wang R, Shin DM, Shao M, Lee YM, Kim Y. Poly(Ethylene Piperidinium)s for Anion Exchange Membranes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202307690. [PMID: 37524652 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202307690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
The lack of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) that possess both high hydroxide conductivity and stable mechanical and chemical properties poses a major challenge to the development of high-performance fuel cells. Improving one side of the balance between conductivity and stability usually means sacrificing the other. Herein, we used facile, high-yield chemical reactions to design and synthesize a piperidinium polymer with a polyethylene backbone for AEM fuel cell applications. To improve the performance, we introduced ionic crosslinking into high-cationic-ratio AEMs to suppress high water uptake and swelling while further improving the hydroxide conductivity. Remarkably, PEP80-20PS achieved a hydroxide conductivity of 354.3 mS cm-1 at 80 °C while remaining mechanically stable. Compared with the base polymer PEP80, the water uptake of PEP80-20PS decreased by 69 % from 813 % to 350 %, and the swelling decreased substantially by 85 % from 350.0 % to 50.2 % at 80 °C. PEP80-20PS also showed excellent alkaline stability, 84.7 % remained after 35 days of treatment with an aqueous KOH solution. The chemical design in this study represents a significant advancement toward the development of simultaneously highly stable and conductive AEMs for fuel cell applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong, University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ki-Taek Bang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong, University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ye Tian
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong, University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chuan Hu
- Department of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Ran Tao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong, University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yufei Yuan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong, University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong, University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Dong-Myeong Shin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Minhua Shao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong, University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Energy Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Young Moo Lee
- Department of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonseob Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong, University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Energy Institute, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Guo M, Ban T, Wang Y, Wang X, Zhu X. "Thiol-ene" crosslinked polybenzimidazoles anion exchange membrane with enhanced performance and durability. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 638:349-362. [PMID: 36746053 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.01.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
To address the "trade-off" between conductivity and stability of anion exchange membranes (AEMs), we developed a series of crosslinked AEMs by using polybenzimidazole with norbornene (cPBI-Nb) as backbone and the crosslinked structure was fabricated by adopting click chemical between thiol and vinyl-group. Meanwhile, the hydrophilic properties of the dithiol cross-linker were regulated to explore the effect for micro-phase separation morphology and hydroxide ion conductivity. As result, the AEMs with hydrophilic crosslinked structure (PcPBI-Nb-C2) not only had apparent micro-phase separation morphology and high OH- conductivity of 105.54 mS/cm at 80 °C, but also exhibited improved mechanical properties, dimensional stability (swelling ratio < 15%) and chemical stability (90.22 % mass maintaining in Fenton's reagent at 80 °C for 24 h, 78.30 % conductivity keeping in 2 M NaOH at 80 °C for 2016 h). In addition, the anion exchange membranes water electrolysis (AEMWEs) using PcPBI-Nb-C2 as AEMs achieved the current density of 368 mA/cm2 at 2.1 V and the durability over 500 min operated at 150 mA/cm2 under 60 °C. Therefore, this work paves the way for constructing AEMs by introduction of norbornene into polybenzimidazole and formation of hydrophilic crosslinked structure based on "thiol-ene".
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Affiliation(s)
- Maolian Guo
- State Key Lab of Fine Chemicals, Department of Polymer Science & Materials, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Tao Ban
- State Key Lab of Fine Chemicals, Department of Polymer Science & Materials, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yajie Wang
- State Key Lab of Fine Chemicals, Department of Polymer Science & Materials, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- State Key Lab of Fine Chemicals, Department of Polymer Science & Materials, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Xiuling Zhu
- State Key Lab of Fine Chemicals, Department of Polymer Science & Materials, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
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Min K, Lee Y, Choi Y, Kwon OJ, Kim TH. High-performance anion exchange membranes achieved by crosslinking two aryl ether-free polymers: poly(bibenzyl N-methyl piperidine) and SEBS. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.121071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Molecular dynamics insight into phase separation and transport in anion-exchange membranes: Effect of hydrophobicity of backbones. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.120922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Chand K, Paladino O. Recent developments of membranes and electrocatalysts for the hydrogen production by Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysers: A review. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2022.104451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Wang S, Wang Z, Xu J, Liu Q, Sui Z, Du X, Cui Y, Yuan Y, Yu J, Wang Y, Chang Y. Construction of N-spirocyclic cationic three-dimensional highly stable transport channels by electrospinning for anion exchange membrane fuel cells. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.120852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Narducci R, Becerra-Arciniegas RA, Pasquini L, Ercolani G, Knauth P, Di Vona ML. Anion-Conducting Polymer Electrolyte without Ether Linkages and with Ionic Groups Grafted on Long Side Chains: Poly(Alkylene Biphenyl Butyltrimethyl Ammonium) (ABBA). MEMBRANES 2022; 12:337. [PMID: 35323811 PMCID: PMC8956100 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12030337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this work we report the synthesis of the new ionomer poly(alkylene biphenyl butyltrimethyl ammonium) (ABBA) with a backbone devoid of alkaline-labile C-O-C bonds and with quaternary ammonium groups grafted on long side chains. The ionomer was achieved by metalation reaction with n-butyllithium of 2-bromobiphenyl, followed by the introduction of the long chain with 1,4-dibromobutane. The reaction steps were followed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy showing the characteristic signals of the Br-butyl chain and indicating the complete functionalization of the biphenyl moiety. The precursor was polycondensed with 1,1,1-trifluoroacetone and then quaternized using trimethylamine (TMA). After the acid catalyzed polycondensation, the stoichiometric ratio between the precursors was respected. The quaternization with TMA gave a final degree of amination of 0.83 in agreement with the thermogravimetric analysis and with the ion exchange capacity of 2.5 meq/g determined by acid-base titration. The new ionomer blended with poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA) or poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) was also characterized by water uptake (WU) and ionic conductivity measurements. The higher water uptake and ionic conductivity observed with the PVDF blend might be related to a better nanophase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Narducci
- Department of Industrial Engineering and International Laboratory “Ionomer Materials for Energy”, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Roma, Italy; (R.A.B.-A.); (M.L.D.V.)
| | - Raul Andres Becerra-Arciniegas
- Department of Industrial Engineering and International Laboratory “Ionomer Materials for Energy”, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Roma, Italy; (R.A.B.-A.); (M.L.D.V.)
- CNRS, MADIREL (UMR 7246) and International Laboratory “Ionomer Materials for Energy”, Aix-Marseille University, Campus St Jérôme, 13013 Marseille, France; (L.P.); (P.K.)
| | - Luca Pasquini
- CNRS, MADIREL (UMR 7246) and International Laboratory “Ionomer Materials for Energy”, Aix-Marseille University, Campus St Jérôme, 13013 Marseille, France; (L.P.); (P.K.)
| | - Gianfranco Ercolani
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Roma, Italy;
| | - Philippe Knauth
- CNRS, MADIREL (UMR 7246) and International Laboratory “Ionomer Materials for Energy”, Aix-Marseille University, Campus St Jérôme, 13013 Marseille, France; (L.P.); (P.K.)
| | - Maria Luisa Di Vona
- Department of Industrial Engineering and International Laboratory “Ionomer Materials for Energy”, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Roma, Italy; (R.A.B.-A.); (M.L.D.V.)
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