Integrated manufacturing of REciclable multi-material COmposites for the TRANSport sector

The as?prepared membrane acted as an anion exchange membrane demonstrated enhanced ionic conductivity and alkaline stability.A balanced relationship among ionic conductivity, mechanical properties and alkaline stability of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) is essential for their practical application in fuel cells. Herein, a porous substrate (BC@LDH) with hierarchical structure was constructed using natural bacterial cellulose (BC) as a template and then in situ grew inorganic hydroxide ion conductor (layered double hydroxide, LDH). The membrane was fabricated via a filling together with sol–gel crosslinking strategy after impregnating an ionomer containing both quaternary ammonium and hydroxyl groups into the porous substrate and then crosslinked by organosiloxane. Due to the synergistic enhancement effect of BC, LDH and cross?linking, the obtained membrane exhibited a tensile strength of 47.48?MPa that was 88.3% higher than that of the pure ionomer membrane, and showed an ionic conductivity of 70.7?mS?cm?1 (80°C) which benefited from the introduction of ionic conductor LDH. More importantly, its alkaline stability was significantly improved and the residual conductivity ratio was still as high as 81.5% even after hot alkali treatment for 580?h. The direct methanol fuel cell assembled with this membrane exhibited a peak power density of 13.6?mW?cm?2 with an open?circuit voltage of 0.72?V, indicating its potential application in biomass?based AEMs for fuel cells.HighlightsHierarchical porous substrate comprising LDHs anchored BC fiber was prepared.LDH@BC served as a reinforcing substrate and an ion transport medium.The crosslinked membrane showed significantly improved alkaline stability.The membrane had high ionic conductivity and mechanical strength.Providing a new way to design biomass?based AEMs with high performance.

» Publication Date: 17/11/2024

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