2017 Elsevier Ltd A commercially scalable polymerized ionic liquid (PIL) pentablock terpolymer anion exchange membrane (AEM) was investigated for use in alkaline fuel cells (AFCs). The transparent, flexible AEMs exhibited hydroxide ion conductivities of 44 mS/cm at 60 C in liquid water. AEMs demonstrated excellent alkaline chemical stability, with no change in ion conductivity after exposure to 1 M KOH solution at 60 C for 1 week. Additionally, 1H NMR analysis of the analogous polymerized ionic liquid (PIL) homopolymer revealed no degradation in 0.5 M KOH solution at 60 C for 1 week. These results indicate that this commercially scalable multiblock polymer is a highly conductive, chemically stable, robust AEM, suitable for use in low-cost (platinum-free), long-lasting, solid-state alkaline fuel cells.
