Preparation of a Chemically Stable Polysulfone-based Anion Exchange Membrane Using DABCO as the Quaternization Agent

The anion exchange membrane is crucial to the fuel cell development. In this paper, polysulfone was firstly choloromethylated via in-situ generation of choloromethylether which is known as a carcinogenic. 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) was used as the quaternization agent. The rigid cage structure of DABCO molecule prevents the Hofmann elimination reaction from occurring, thus the thermal stability of anion exchange membrane was improved. The membranes with various degree of substitution (DS) were obtained and 106 % DS exhibited a highest ionic conductivity of 0.046 Scm(-1) at 60 degrees C and 100 % relative humidity. The maximum power output of single cell using hydrogen and oxygen reached 114 mWcm(-2). The good electrochemical performance and less harmful preparation procedures make QDPSU a promising membrane material for anion exchange membrane fuel cells.