Radiation-Grafted Anion-Exchange Membrane for Fuel Cell and Electrolyzer Applications: A Mini Review

Abstract

This review discusses the roles of anion exchange membrane (AEM) as a solid-state electrolyte in fuel cell and electrolyzer applications. It highlights the advancement of existing fabrication methods and emphasizes the importance of radiation grafting methods in improving the properties of AEM. The development of AEM has been focused on the improvement of its physicochemical properties, including ionic conductivity, ion exchange capacity, water uptake, swelling ratio, etc., and its thermo-mechano-chemical stability in high-pH and high-temperature conditions. Generally, the AEM radiation grafting processes are considered green synthesis because they are usually performed at room temperature and practically eliminated the use of catalysts and toxic solvents, yet the final products are homogeneous and high quality. The radiation grafting technique is capable of modifying the hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains to control the ionic properties of membrane as well as its water uptake and swelling ratio without scarifying its mechanical properties. Researchers also showed that the chemical stability of AEMs can be improved by grafting spacers onto base polymers. The effects of irradiation dose and dose rate on the performance of AEM were discussed. The long-term stability of membrane in alkaline solutions remains the main challenge to commercial use.

Anion Exchange Membranes with 1D, 2D and 3D Fillers: A Review

“…For a PVA-0. 15 FeCNT sample an open-circuit potential of 0.87 V and a maximum power density of 88 mW cm −2 were obtained in DMAFC (2 M MeOH in 6 M KOH at 60 • C). To improve the chemical compatibility between CNTs and PVA, the CNTs were functionalized with PVA chains [27].…”

“…Although the application of nanoparticle fillers is promising, their practical investigation started in earnest only a decade ago, as shown in the number of publications and citations on the topic "composite anion exchange membranes" (Figure 1). No comprehensive and critical review exists on this topic, although some related topics have been addressed in the last years [11][12][13][14][15]. review exists on this topic, although some related topics have been addressed in the last years [11][12][13][14][15].…”

“…No comprehensive and critical review exists on this topic, although some related topics have been addressed in the last years [11][12][13][14][15]. review exists on this topic, although some related topics have been addressed in the last years [11][12][13][14][15]. This review intends thus to summarize the main findings reported in the literature since 2010, including AEM for use in fuel cells, but also in redox flow batteries and water purification applications.…”

Design Strategies for Alkaline Exchange Membrane–Electrode Assemblies: Optimization for Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers

“…The AEM has, perhaps, been subject to the heaviest focus due to known chemical stability challenges, and its central, heavy-duty role in the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) [6,[8][9][10][11][12]. From a performance point of view, anion conductivity and water transport (MEA) [6,[8][9][10][11][12].…”

“…The AEM has, perhaps, been subject to the heaviest focus due to known chemical stability challenges, and its central, heavy-duty role in the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) [6,[8][9][10][11][12]. From a performance point of view, anion conductivity and water transport (MEA) [6,[8][9][10][11][12]. From a performance point of view, anion conductivity and water transport are critical, while electrical isolation and gas separation are similarly important, especially when examining cell durability.…”