With the intention of optimizing the performance of anion-exchange membranes (AEMs), a set of imidazolium-functionalized poly(arylene ether sulfone)s with densely distributed long flexible aliphatic side chains were synthesized. The membranes made from the as-synthesized polymers are robust, transparent, and endowed with microphase segregation capability. The ionic exchange capacity (IEC), hydroxide conductivity, water uptake, thermal stability, and alkaline resistance of the AEMs were evaluated in detail for fuel cell applications. Morphological observation with the use of atomic force microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering reveals that the combination of high-local-density-type and side-chain-type architectures induces distinguished nanophase separation in the AEMs. The as-prepared membranes have advantages in effective water management and ionic conductivity over traditional main-chain polymers. Typically, the conductivity and IEC were in the ranges of 57.3-112.5 mS cm(-1) and 1.35-1.84 mequiv g(-1) at 80 °C, respectively. Furthermore, the membranes exhibit good thermal and alkaline stability and achieve a peak power density of 114.5 mW cm(-2) at a current density of 250.1 mA cm(-2). Therefore, the present polymers containing clustered flexible pendent aliphatic imidazolium promise to be attractive AEM materials for fuel cells.
Keywords: anion-exchange membranes; flexible side chains; fuel cell application; ion conduction; phase separation.