Quaternized cellulose and graphene oxide crosslinked polyphenylene oxide based anion exchange membrane

Abstract

Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) have captivated vast interest due to non-platinum group metal catalysts and fuel flexibility. One of the major shortcomings of AEMFCs, however, is the lack of a stable and high anion conducting membrane. This study introduces a new strategy for fabrication of high conducting anion exchange membrane (AEM) using a hybrid nanocomposite of graphene oxide (GO), cellulose, and poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO), which are functionalized with 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2] octane. The compositional ratio of GO/cellulose/PPO was optimized with respect to ionic conductivity, water uptake, swelling ratio, and mechanical properties. The membrane at GO/cellulose/PPO weight ratio of 1/1/100 displayed an impressive hydroxyl conductivity of similar to 114 mS/cm at 25 degrees C and similar to 215 mS/cm at 80 degrees C, which is considerably higher than the highest value reported. Further, the hybrid composite membranes were mechanically stable even when operating at high temperature (80 degrees C). The result indicates that the introduction of quaternized GO and cellulose into a polymer matrix is a promising approach for designing high performance AEMs.