Characterization and chemical stability of anion exchange membranes cross-linked with polar electron-donating linkers

The effect of the cross-linker chemical structure on the properties and chemical stability of anion exchange membrane is the focus of this study. Two different cross-linkers were investigated, one with linear hexyl chain between crosslinking sites, and the other, ether in the center of the alkyl linker. These two cross-linkers have a fundamental difference in their polarity and hydrophilicity. The ether-containing cross-linker is more polar and therefore will improve membrane's water uptake and conductivity. Swelling and conductivity measurements were performed at various temperatures for both types of samples. While water uptake and conductivity were found to be higher for the ether-based cross-linker, degradation measurements indicated that the membrane that is cross-linked with electron-rich linker degraded in hydroxide faster than the alkyl linker at temperature of 60°C.