Open Access3D‐Zipped Interface: In Situ Covalent‐Locking for High Performance of Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Author(s) -
Liang Xian,
Ge Xiaolin,
He Yubin,
Xu Mai,
Shehzad Muhammad A.,
Sheng Fangmeng,
BanceSoualhi Rachida,
Zhang Jianjun,
Yu Weisheng,
Ge Zijuan,
Wei Chengpeng,
Song Wanjie,
Peng Jinlan,
Varcoe John R.,
Wu Liang,
Xu Tongwen
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.202102637
Subject(s) - membrane , materials science , electrolyte , chemical engineering , cationic polymerization , delamination (geology) , polymer , ion exchange , catalysis , proton exchange membrane fuel cell , power density , covalent bond , ammonium , electrode , ion , chemistry , polymer chemistry , composite material , power (physics) , organic chemistry , thermodynamics , paleontology , biochemistry , subduction , physics , biology , engineering , tectonics
Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells can generate high power using a potentially green fuel (H 2 ) and zero emissions of greenhouse gas (CO 2 ). However, significant mass transport resistances in the interface region of the membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), between the membrane and the catalyst layers remains a barrier to achieving MEAs with high power densities and long‐term stabilities. Here, a 3D‐interfacial zipping concept is presented to overcome this challenge. Vinylbenzyl‐terminated bi‐cationic quaternary‐ammonium‐based polyelectrolyte is employed as both the anionomer in the anion‐exchange membrane (AEM) and catalyst layers. A quaternary‐ammonium‐containing covalently locked interface is formed by thermally induced inter‐crosslinking of the terminal vinyl groups. Ex situ evaluation of interfacial bonding strength and in situ durability tests demonstrate that this 3D‐zipped interface strategy prevents interfacial delamination without any sacrifice of fuel cell performance. A H 2 /O 2 AEMFC test demonstration shows promisingly high power densities (1.5 W cm −2 at 70 °C with 100% RH and 0.2 MPa backpressure gas feeds), which can retain performances for at least 120 h at a usefully high current density of 0.6 A cm −2 .