A Unique Cross-Linking Strategy to Prepare Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)-Based Anion Conducting Membrane for Fuel Cell Applications

Abstract

Anion conducting polymer electrolyte membrane (PVA/KOH/CHDMG) was prepared by cross-linking of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol diglycidyl ether (CHDMG) in the presence of KOH. FTIR, FESEM, and DSC-TGA techniques were used for the structural, morphological and thermal characterization of the membrane. The effect of cross-linking on the water uptake, thermomechanical characteristics, ionic conductivity, and chemical stability of the membranes was studied with respect to CHDMG contents. The membrane ionic conductivity at room temperature was 2.2-4.7 x 10(-3) S.cm(-1). Further, the membrane exhibited good mechanical attributes and chemical stability. Thus, these low cost membranes exhibited good prospect for application in alkaline fuel cell. [GRAPHICS] .