Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with ionic conductivities exceeding 100 mS/cm at 80°C have emerged as a game-changer for AEM electrolyzers. These membranes leverage quaternary ammonium functional groups embedded in poly(aryl piperidinium) backbones to achieve high hydroxide ion mobility while maintaining mechanical integrity under alkaline conditions. Recent studies have demonstrated that optimizing the polymer architecture can reduce swelling ratios to below 10%, ensuring long-term stability over 5,000 hours of operation.
The development of chemically stable AEMs has been accelerated by incorporating cross-linking agents such as divinylbenzene (DVB), which enhance resistance to nucleophilic attack by hydroxide ions. For example, membranes treated with DVB exhibit degradation rates of less than 5% after exposure to 1 M KOH at elevated temperatures for extended periods. Additionally, the use of advanced characterization techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has enabled precise control over cross-linking density, optimizing both conductivity and durability.
Recent breakthroughs in catalyst-AEM interfaces have further improved cell performance. By integrating nickel-iron layered double hydroxides (NiFe-LDHs) as OER catalysts with high-conductivity AEMs, researchers have achieved current densities of up to 2 A/cm² at cell voltages below 1.9 V. The synergistic effect between the catalyst and membrane minimizes interfacial resistance and enhances overall efficiency by reducing ohmic losses by up to –40%. These advancements are critical for commercializing AEM electrolyzers for large-scale hydrogen production.
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