Papers by Author: Jun Fang

Abstract: Novel anion exchange membranes were synthesized by grafted copolymerization of 1-vinylimidazole onto pre-irradiated ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE) film, followed by quaternization and alkalization. The structure of the membranes was studied by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The physicochemical and electrochemical properties of the membranes were also characterized. The ionic conductivity of the synthesized membrane is 0.03 S/cm at 30°C. This result indicates that the membrane is suitable polymer electrolyte membrane and so may find potential applications in alkaline membrane fuel cells.

Abstract: A series of hydroxyl conducting anion exchange membranes based on the copolymer of vinylbenzyl chloride, butyl methacrylate and fluoro-polyacrylate were prepared by radical polymerization, quaternization and alkalization. The reaction conditions of polymerization were discussed and the potential applications of the resulting membranes in alkaline fuel cells were assessed. The results show that the membranes have adequate conductivity for fuel cell application.