Chitosan-Modified Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene Oxide) for Anion-Exchange Membrane in Fuel Cell Technology

ABSTRACT A series of cross-linking chitosan-modified quaternary ammonium poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide)s membranes (CS-QAPPO) were prepared by the Menshutkin reaction. The mechanical property, dimensional stability, and alkaline stability of the CS-QAPPO membrane have been impressively improved by introducing CS into PPO backbone. Even the hydroxide conductivity of CS-QAPPO membranes is higher than that of the pristine QAPPO membrane. The 20% chitosan-modified QAPPO membrane shows the best performance, and the hydroxide conductivity is 32 mS cm−1 at 90°C. The alkaline stability measurements demonstrated excellent chemical stability of the CS-QAPPO membrane in 2 M NaOH solution at room temperature after 2,000 h. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT