In:
Polymers, MDPI AG, Vol. 13, No. 5 ( 2021-02-25), p. 690-
Abstract:
Polystyrene-based polymers with variable molecular weights are prepared by radical polymerization of styrene. Polystyrene is grafted with bromo-alkyl chains of different lengths through Friedel–Crafts acylation and quaternized to afford a series of hydroxide-ion-conducting ionomers for the catalyst binder for the membrane electrode assembly in anion-exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). Structural analyses reveal that the molecular weight of the polystyrene backbone ranges from 10,000 to 63,000 g mol−1, while the ion exchange capacity of quaternary-ammonium-group-bearing ionomers ranges from 1.44 to 1.74 mmol g−1. The performance of AEMFCs constructed using the prepared electrode ionomers is affected by several ionomer properties, and a maximal power density of 407 mW cm−2 and a durability exceeding that of a reference cell with a commercially available ionomer are achieved under optimal conditions. Thus, the developed approach is concluded to be well suited for the fabrication of next-generation electrode ionomers for high-performance AEMFCs.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2073-4360
DOI:
10.3390/polym13050690
Language:
English
Publisher:
MDPI AG
Publication Date:
2021
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2527146-5
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