Zhaoshuo Yuan, Yue Wang, Qian Qiao, Huatong Li, Xueying Hao, Xi Zhang, Xuelian Zhang, Yi Tan, Qingyue Ge, Xiangping Zhang, Xin Zhang, Xiangping Zhang, Xiangping Zhang, Chunming Xu
The successful preparation of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with outstanding hydroxide ion (OH – ) conductivity, low swelling ratio, and superior alkali stability is crucial for anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE). Herein, a series of high-performance AEMs were favorably synthesized by introducing both hydrophobic groups and large-volume twisted binaphthyl (BN) units into the main chain of poly(aryl piperidinium) (PAP). The incorporation of hydrophobic groups significantly reduces membrane swelling. The continued introduction of BN units constructs a high-speed channel for OH – transport. Additionally, density functional theory revealed that the incorporation of BN protected piperidine cationic groups from Hoffmann elimination. The prepared QBNTP-10 AEM displayed ultrahigh OH – conductivity (190.2 mS cm – 1 at 80 °C), coupled with favorable dimensional stability (17.9% at 80 °C), tensile strength (52.18 MPa), and excellent alkaline stability (OH – conductivity retention was 93.6% at 80 °C for 1000 h in 1 M NaOH). Due to these excellent properties, QBNTP-10 AEM was assembled in an AEMWE cell, which maintained long-term stable operation for 1000 h in 1 M KOH at 80 °C. Therefore, this study provides a reference for enhancing the ion transport capacity and alkali stability of AEMs.