Premium
Polybenzimidazolium‐Based Solid Electrolytes
Author(s) -
Henkensmeier Dirk,
Kim HyoungJuhn,
Lee HyeJin,
Lee Dong Hoon,
Oh InHwan,
Hong SeongAhn,
Nam SukWoo,
Lim TaeHoon
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
macromolecular materials and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1439-2054
pISSN - 1438-7492
DOI - 10.1002/mame.201100100
Subject(s) - membrane , hydroxide , materials science , hydrolysis , ion exchange , polymer chemistry , electrolyte , amide , conductivity , diamine , thermal stability , dielectric spectroscopy , inorganic chemistry , ion , organic chemistry , chemistry , biochemistry , electrode , electrochemistry
A series of methyl, benzyl, and mixed polybenzimidazolium halides was synthesised and characterised by NMR spectroscopy. Membranes were formed and ion exchanged with hydroxides. These membranes are of interest for use in potentially platinum‐free anionic exchange membrane fuel cells. Crosslinked membranes were obtained by the addition of α,α′‐dibromo‐ p ‐xylene to the casting solution. The ion conductivity of membranes was determined by impedance spectroscopy. A hydroxide conductivity of 29 mS · cm −1 at 26 °C and 58 mS · cm −1 at 60 °C was obtained. The thermal and hydrolytic stability was investigated and a pathway for hydrolytic degradation proposed. Hydroxide ions react at the 2 position, the intermediate carbinol opens to the amine–amide, and further degrades under chain scission to diamine and carboxylic acid.