Robust, dimensional stable, and self-healable anion exchange membranes via quadruple hydrogen bonds

• Published in: Polymer (Guilford) Vol. 245; p. 124698
• Main Authors: Zhang, Pengjuan, Shen, Bin, Pu, Hongting
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 06.04.2022; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Acylation; Ammonium; Anion exchange; Anion exchange membranes; Anion exchanging; Carbonyls; Cations; Dimensional stability; Hydrogen; Hydrogen bonding; Hydrogen bonds; Ion conductivity; Ion currents; Ions; Ketones; Mechanical properties; Membranes; Nitrates; Polystyrene; Polystyrene resins; Quadruple hydrogen bonds; Self-healing; Mechanical properties; Quadruple hydrogen bonds; Anion exchange membranes; Self-healing; Ion conductivity
• ISSN: 0032-3861; 1873-2291
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2022.124698

Quadruple hydrogen bonds have been introduced in anion exchange membranes (AEMs) to form supramolecular network. Specifically, 2-((3-(dimethylamino) propyl) carbonyldiamino)-6-methyl-4-[1H]-pyrimidinone (DCMP) and polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-polystyrene (SEBS) with quaternary ammonium cations as well as pendant DCMP are synthesized via Friedel-Crafts acylation, ketone reduction, and quaternization sequentially. Finally, a new type of anionic conducting membranes based-on functionalized SEBS, which is cross-linked via quadruple hydrogen bonds provided by pendant DCMP moieties, is obtained. The prepared AEMs have good thermal and chemical stability, significantly improved mechanical properties without sacrificing ionic conductivity and easily realized self-healing ability, which make the anion exchange membranes have the potential of long-term stable use. [Display omitted] •Anion exchange membranes cross-linked via quadruple hydrogen bonds.•Significantly improved mechanical properties without loss of conductivity.•Supramolecular network improves chemical and thermal stability of the membranes.•Self-healing ability is conducive to long-term stable use of the membranes.