Hydroxide Conduction Enhancement of Chitosan Membranes by Functionalized MXene.

In this study, imidazolium brushes tethered by ⁻NH₂-containing ligands were grafted onto the surface of a 2D material, MXene, using precipitation polymerization followed by quaternization. Functionalized MXene was embedded into chitosan matrix to prepare a hybrid alkaline anion exchange membrane. Due to high interfacial compatibility, functionalized MXene was homogeneously dispersed in chitosan matrix, generating continuous ion conduction channels and then greatly enhancing OH conduction property (up to 172%). The ability and mechanism of OH conduction in the membrane were elaborated based on systematic tests. The mechanical-thermal stability and swelling resistance of the membrane were evidently augmented. Therefore, it is a promising anion exchange membrane for alkaline fuel cell application.