Stable Anion Exchange Membrane Bearing Quinuclidinium for High‐performance Water Electrolysis

Abstract Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are core components in anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEM‐WEs). However, the stability of functional quaternary ammonium cations, especially under high temperatures and harsh alkaline conditions, seriously affects their performance and durability. Herein, we synthesized a 1‐methyl‐3,3‐diphenylquinuclidinium molecular building unit. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and accelerated aging analysis indicated that the quinine ring structure was exceedingly stable, and the S N 2 degradation mechanism dominated. Through acid‐catalyzed Friedel–Crafts polymerization, a series of branched poly(aryl‐quinuclidinium) (PAQ‐x) AEMs with controllable molecular…

• WU
  Westlake University
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 22088102, 22109128
• NK
  National Key Research and Development Program of China

  Award: 2022YFA0911900