Korean scientists develop new dual polymer membrane to improve hydrogen fuel cell performance

Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) convert chemical energy into electrical energy by transferring anions through a membrane. This type of battery has attracted much attention due to its advantages such as low cost and relative environmental protection, but it also has several disadvantages, such as low ion conductivity, poor membrane chemical stability, and overall low performance. According to foreign media reports, Korean scientists have developed a new thin and durable membrane to solve the above problems.

(Photo credit: Incheon National University)

To make the film, the scientists used a new method to chemically bond two commercially available polymers, poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide, PPO) and poly(styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene, SEBS), without using a cross-linking agent.

"Previous studies have attempted to prepare anion exchange membranes (AEMs) by cross-linking PPO and SEBS using hydrazine as a cross-linking agent," said Professor Tae-Hyun Kim of Incheon National University, who led the research. "Although AEMs exhibit excellent mechanical stability, the use of hydrazine may lead to a different reaction instead of the reaction between PPO and SEBS, making it difficult to control membrane properties. In this study, we cross-linked PPO and SEBS without using any cross-linking agent." At the same time, the research team added a compound called triazole to PPO to increase the ionic conductivity of the membrane.

The film prepared by this method can be up to 10μm thick and has excellent mechanical strength, chemical stability and conductivity even at 95% indoor humidity. In general, the overall performance of the membrane and the corresponding fuel cell is high. Tests found that at 60°C, the fuel cell can operate stably for 300 hours, with a maximum power density exceeding existing commercial AEMs and comparable to leading AEMs.

The new AEM has good development prospects. Professor Kim said: "The polymer electrolyte membrane we developed can be used not only in fuel cells, but also in water electrolysis technology to produce hydrogen. This research will play an important role in the development of the hydrogen economy."