High-performance radiation grafted anion-exchange membranes for fuel cell applications: Effects of irradiation conditions on ETFE-based membranes properties

Author(s)

Biancolli, Ana Laura G. ^[1] ; Bsoul-Haj, Saja ^[2] ; Douglin, John C. ^[2] ; Barbosa, Andrey S. ^[1] ; de Sousa Jr, Rogerio R. ; Rodrigues Jr, Orlando ; Lanfredi, Alexandre J. C. ^[3] ; Dekel, Dario R. ^{[2, 4]} ; Santiago, Elisabete I. ^{[5, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] IPEN CNEN, Nucl & Energy Res Inst, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Technion Israel Inst Technol, Wolfson Dept Chem Engn, IL-3200003 Haifa - Israel

^[3] de Sousa Jr, Jr., Rogerio R., Fed Univ ABC UFABC, Ctr Engn Modeling & Appl Social Sci, BR-09210580 Santo Andre, SP - Brazil

^[4] Technion Israel Inst Technol, Nancy & Stephen Grand Technion Energy Program GTE, IL-3200003 Haifa - Israel

^[5] Rodrigues Jr, Jr., Orlando, IPEN CNEN, Nucl & Energy Res Inst, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE; v. 641, JAN 1 2022.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Anion-exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) are rapidly gaining visibility in the clean energy research field due to their high power output and potential to significantly reduce materials costs. However, despite the high performances obtained, in-operando stability still presents a major obstacle for this technology. The durability issues are usually attributed to the core component of the AEMFCs - the anion-exchange membrane (AEM). An easy and simple way to produce these AEMs is through radiation grafting. Radiation-induced processes involve changes in the intrinsic properties of the polymer that can promote both crosslinking and chain scissioning, which may directly affect the mechanical properties and durability of AEMs. This study presents a comprehensive report of the effects of irradiation on the final properties of electron-beam grafted ETFE-AEMs. The results strongly suggest that low absorbed doses (<40 kGy) and an inert atmosphere (N-2) should be used during the irradiation process in order to obtain better backbone stability and, consequently, AEMFC durability, considering ETFE-based AEMs. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/26955-3 - Synthesis of anion exchange membranes and ionomers for application in electrochemical conversion devices
• Grantee: Ana Laura Gonçalves Biancolli
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 14/09087-4 - Studies on the use of bioethanol in proton exchange membrane and solid oxide fuel cells
• Grantee: Marcelo Linardi
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/11937-4 - A sustainable path to methane conversion by advanced electrochemical technologies
• Grantee: Fabio Coral Fonseca
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program