Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a functionalized carbon matrix, compositions and composites including the same, and methods of making and using the same. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a functionalized carbon matrix having the structure CM-(NZ-L-FG)n. At each occurrence, Z is independently selected from H and a bond to CM. The variable CM is a substituted or unsubstituted carbon matrix. At each occurrence, linker L is independently substituted or unsubstituted. At each occurrence, variable FG is independently selected from a functional group. The degree of substitution n is about 1 to about 1,000,000.

Abstract: An anion exchange membrane and fuel cell incorporating the anion exchange membrane are detailed in which proazaphosphatrane and azaphosphatrane cations are covalently bonded to a sulfonated fluoropolymer support along with anionic counterions. A positive charge is dispersed in the aforementioned cations which are buried in the support to reduce the cation-anion interactions and increase the mobility of hydroxide ions, for example, across the membrane. The anion exchange membrane has the ability to operate at high temperatures and in highly alkaline environments with high conductivity and low resistance.