Tianjin University develops a new type of anion exchange membrane

Researchers from the State Key Laboratory of Combustion of Internal Combustion Engines of Tianjin University have successfully developed a new type of oriented ferrocene salt anion exchange membrane
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The anion exchange membrane has ion transport channels aligned in the direction of the permeation surface of the membrane, which improves the power output of the anion exchange membrane fuel cell

In the practical application of anion exchange membrane fuel cells, hydroxide ions pass through the anion exchange membrane from cathode to anode
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Most anion exchange membranes exhibit isotropic anion conductivity, or even an unfavorable anisotropy, that is, the conductivity is lower through the in-plane direction than in the in-plane direction

In response to this problem, the research group used a magnetic field to construct a transmission channel through plane orientation in a paramagnetic ferrocene salt anion exchange membrane
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This strategy follows the recent progress made by the research group in the field of proton exchange membranes, and extends materials with both magnetic responsiveness and ion conductivity to the field of anion exchange membranes

The study demonstrates that constructing through-plane-oriented structures and mixed-valence metallocene chemistries is an effective approach to optimize the performance of anion-exchange membranes and is expected to go beyond traditional phase-separation strategies
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The magnetic field-induced mixed valence states show extraordinary alkali and redox stability, which cannot be achieved under normal conditions, providing a reference for further material innovation

As anion exchange membranes are versatile in fuel cells, carbon dioxide and water electrolysis, the materials developed in this research work have promising applications in multiple fields of renewable and clean energy
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In addition, in other fields that require directional mass transfer, including battery separators and reverse osmosis membranes, significant performance improvements are also expected if directional transport channel structures can be constructed