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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Mohamed MamloukORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2024 Science PressAnion-exchange membrane water electrolysers (AEMWEs) and fuel cells (AEMFCs) are critical technologies for converting renewable resources into green hydrogen (H2), where anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) play a vital role in efficiently transporting hydroxide ions (OH−) and minimizing fuel crossover, thus enhancing overall efficiency. While conventional AEMs with linear, side-chain, and block polymer architectures show promise through functionalization, their long-term performance remains a concern. To address this, hyperbranched polymers offer a promising alternative due to their three-dimensional structure, higher terminal functionality, and ease of functionalization. This unique architecture provides interconnected ion transport pathways, fractional free volume, and enhanced long-term stability in alkaline environments. Recent studies have achieved conductivities as high as 304.5 mS cm−1, attributed to their improved fractional free volume and microphase separation in hyperbranched AEMs. This review explores the chemical, mechanical, and ionic properties of hyperbranched AEMs in AEMFCs and assesses their potential for application in AEMWEs. Strategies such as blending and structural functionalisation have significantly improved the properties by promoting microphase separation and increasing the density of cationic groups on the polymer surface. The review provides essential insights for future research, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in developing high-performance hyperbranched AEMs to advance hydrogen energy infrastructure.
Author(s): Palanivel T, Mamlouk M, Pollet BG, Vinodh R
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Energy Chemistry
Year: 2025
Volume: 102
Pages: 670-702
Print publication date: 01/03/2025
Online publication date: 22/11/2024
Acceptance date: 10/11/2024
ISSN (print): 2095-4956
ISSN (electronic): 2096-885X
Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jechem.2024.11.018
DOI: 10.1016/j.jechem.2024.11.018
