Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Based Hydrogel Anion Exchange Membranes for Alkaline Fuel Cell

Abstract

As a key component of anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs), the anion exchange membrane (AEM) should possess high hydroxide conductivity and good alkaline stability. In this work, the concept of “hydrogel AEMs” was proposed, and a series of hydrogel AEM-based poly(vinyl alcohol) were prepared. As a result of ultrahigh water uptake (up to 726 wt %), a hydroxide conductivity of 150 mS cm–1 at 80 °C was achieved as well as a good alkaline stability. Moreover, the single fuel cell based on the as-prepared hydrogel AEM demonstrated a remarkable peak power density of 715 mW cm–2. This work demonstrates that hydrogel AEMs are potential candidates for AEMFCs.