Abstract: A major challenge in the development of anion exchange membranes for fuel cells is the design and synthesis of highly stable (chemically and mechanically) and conducting membranes. Membranes that can endure highly alkaline environments while rapidly transporting hydroxides are desired. A design for using cross-linked polymer membranes is disclosed to produce ionic highways along charge delocalized pyrazolium and homoconjugated triptycenes. The ionic highway membranes show improved performance in key parameters. Specifically, a conductivity of 111.6 mS cm?1 at 80° C. was obtained with a low 7.9% water uptake and 0.91 mmol g?1 ion exchange capacity. In contrast to existing materials, these systems have higher conductivities at reduced hydration and ionic exchange capacities, emphasizing the role of the highway. The membranes retain more than 75% of initial conductivity after 30 days of alkaline stability test.

Abstract: A major challenge in the development of anion exchange membranes for fuel cells is the design and synthesis of highly stable (chemically and mechanically) and conducting membranes. Membranes that can endure highly alkaline environments while rapidly transporting hydroxides are desired. A design for using cross-linked polymer membranes is disclosed to produce ionic highways along charge delocalized pyrazolium and homoconjugated triptycenes. The ionic highway membranes show improved performance in key parameters. Specifically, a conductivity of 111.6 mS cm?1 at 80° C. was obtained with a low 7.9% water uptake and 0.91 mmol g?1 ion exchange capacity. In contrast to existing materials, these systems have higher conductivities at reduced hydration and ionic exchange capacities, emphasizing the role of the highway. The membranes retain more than 75% of initial conductivity after 30 days of alkaline stability test.