Synthesis of Block-copolymer of Norbonyl Quaternized Amine and Norbonyl Propyl for Anion Exchange Membrane

Abstract

Polynorbornene based anion exchange membranes were prepared for fuel cell application. Block-copolymers were synthesized by ring opening metathesis polymerization of norbornene with dimethylamine functional group and that with propyl. All membranes had sufficient thermal stability over 200 °C to operate in alkaline fuel cell systems. qcNBA3-b-NBP-500-500, which has a highest amine portion, shows the best hydroxide conductivity (193 mS/cm at 80 °C). However, qcNBA3-b-NBP-333-667, which shows reasonable values for both mechanical strength and conductivity, was selected for cell test. OCV of qcNBA3-b-NBP-333-667 was 0.90 V and maximum power density was 180 mW/cm2 at 0.38 A/cm2. These results indicate that qcNBA3-b-NBP-333-667 may be a material available for alkaline fuel cells.