High-Throughput Anion Exchange Membrane Characterization at NREL

Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) are of high interest because they utilize lower cost catalyst and separator materials relative to proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). AEMFCs require anion exchange membranes (AEMs) that have high alkaline chemical stability, high hydroxide ion conductivity, and adequate thermal/mechanical properties. NREL has developed protocols to allow for high throughput, parallel characterization of AEM materials. More specifically, NREL has received membranes from more than 10 partners and has tested more than 50 membranes using these approaches. In many cases these ex-situ results can be compared to fuel ceil performance and durability. Technical investigations include conductivity, ion exchange capacity, mechanical performance, chemical stability, thermal properties, water uptake, and swelling. Structure-property relationships that affect membrane performance and durability will be discussed, lending insight into optimal backbone and cation strategies to employ in development of AEMs.