Synthesis and characterization of long-side-chain type quaternary ammonium-functionalized poly (ether ether ketone) anion exchange membranes

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 46; no. 11; pp. 8156 - 8166
• Main Authors: Wang, Hui, Du, Xinming, Zhang, Hongyu, Shen, Hongcheng, Liu, Qian, Wang, Zhe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 11.02.2021
• Subjects: 4-(dimethylamino)butyraldehyde diethyl acetal; Alkaline stability; Anion exchange membrane; Conductivity; Poly(ether ether ketone); Conductivity; Anion exchange membrane; 4-(dimethylamino)butyraldehyde diethyl acetal; Alkaline stability; Poly(ether ether ketone)
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.11.281

A series of quaternary ammonium salt poly(ether ether ketone) AEMs containing long ether substituents are successfully prepared, and their chemical structure is confirmed by 1H NMR and FT-IR. The distinct microphase separation morphology of AEMs is observed by TEM. As the content of methylhydroquinone increases, the ion conductivity of AEMs gradually increases. When the content of methylhydroquinone increases to 80%, the hydroxide conductivity of PEEK-DABDA-80 membrane reaches 0.052 S/cm at 80 °C. Meanwhile, it exhibits excellent mechanical properties and anti-swelling ability, with tensile strength of 25 MPa, elongation at break of 8.12% and swelling ratio is only 17.4% at 80 °C. And AEMs also display the better thermal stability. After soaked in 1 M NaOH at 60 °C for 30 days, PEEK-DABDA-80 membrane shows acceptable ion conductivity of 0.021 S/cm at 60 °C. In view of these properties, PEEK-DABDA-x AEMs may display potential application as alkaline AEMs. [Display omitted] •A series of poly(ether ether ketone) anion exchange membranes were prepared.•Effect of the content of methylhydroquinone on AEMs' properties was studied.•The AEMs showed low swelling ratio, excellent mechanical properties.