Fluorene-Based Hydroxide Ion Conducting Polymers for Chemically Stable Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Abstract

Three novel fluorene-based polymers with pendant alkyltrimethylammonium groups were synthesized and characterized. The polymers were soluble in dimethylformamide, and dimethyl sulfoxide at room temperature and methanol at 40 °C while remaining insoluble in water. The polymeric membranes were transparent and flexible and exhibited hydroxide ion conductivities above 100 mS/cm at 80 °C. The results of ¹H NMR and titration measurements demonstrated an excellent chemical stability of the synthesized polyfluorene, even after treatment in 1 M NaOH solution at 80 °C for 30 days. The results of this study suggest a feasible approach to the synthesis and practical applications of a new class of alkaline anion exchange membranes.