Hydroxide Transport in Anion-Exchange Membranes for Alkaline Fuel Cells

Abstract

In this chapter are described the characteristics of transport of hydroxide ions through hydrated polymeric materials with potential application in alkaline fuel cells are described. First, it is made a brief description of anion-exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs), their evolution and key characteristics. Then, this chapter presents a detailed classification of the different types of polymers that have been proposed for AEMFCs and their state of development. After that, mechanisms involved in the transport of hydroxide ions through hydrated anion-exchange membranes are described and discussed, making emphasis in the theoretical approaches applied for their study and their implementation and representability in global transport models. In the final section, it is summarized the key features of the chapter and is made a brief discussion about challenges and future work required for the consolidation of this promising technology.