Poly (aryl quinuclidinium) anion exchange membrane water electrolysis based on the mature industry chain of alkaline water electrolysis

Utilizing the existing industrial chain and assembly technology of the mature alkaline water electrolyzers is conducive to the commercialization of the anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolyzer. Conventional alkaline water electrolyzer works in high-concentration and high-temperature alkaline electrolyte because the anion conductivity is higher and the kinetics is faster under this working condition, thereby enhancing the electrolysis efficiency and reducing energy consumption. Herein, a series of cross-linked poly (aryl N-methyl quinuclidinium) AEMs (PPTQ-xBTD) with ultra-high alkaline stability (No degradation in a 5 M NaOH solution at 80 degrees C for 2500 hours by H-1 NMR), ultrahigh mechanical strength (tensile strength >90Mpa) and high inherent anion conductivity were successfully prepared. Therefore it is compatible with the working condition of mature alkaline water electrolyzer. Specifically, a simple electrolyzer assembled with this AEM and commercially available Ni-foam electrode exhibits high current density and stability. The electrolyzer is similar to conventional alkaline electrolyzer but with zero-gap between the electrode and the membrane. Relying on the existing industry chain of alkaline water electrolysis, this study shows the potential to upgrade the conventional alkaline water electrolysis to AEM water electrolysis directly.