Gowling Alannah C, Meek Kelly M
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada.
Materials (Basel). 2025 Sep 17;18(18):4354. doi: 10.3390/ma18184354.
Anion exchange ionomer (AEI) binders are critical to the performance of alkaline electrochemical devices (i.e., fuel cells, electrolyzers, and batteries), as they facilitate ion transport, provide structural integrity, and improve the overall performance and lifespan of these devices. These binders not only ensure ion transport but also provide mechanical stability to the electrode materials. Recently, there has been significant progress in designing AEIs that are more compatible with existing electrode materials and electrolytes. This review summarizes the different types of AEI binders, focusing on their chemical structure, functionalization, conductivity, and how they affect the performance of alkaline fuel cells, specifically, anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). It also discusses how factors like functional groups, polymer backbone and side-chain flexibility, and ion exchange capacity balance conductivity, mechanical strength, and water uptake (WU). Recent advances in material design, such as polymer blends, composites, and crosslinked ionomers, as well as electrode setup, such as asymmetric ionomer electrodes, are explored as methods for improving stability and ion transport. The main challenges facing AEIs, including water management, alkaline degradation, phase separation, mechanical robustness, and long-term durability, are discussed along with strategies for overcoming them. Finally, we outline future research directions for developing scalable, economical solutions and integrating these binders with new electrode materials to help improve the performance and stability of next-generation AEMFCs.
阴离子交换离聚物（AEI）粘合剂对于碱性电化学装置（即燃料电池、电解槽和电池）的性能至关重要，因为它们有助于离子传输，提供结构完整性，并提高这些装置的整体性能和寿命。这些粘合剂不仅能确保离子传输，还能为电极材料提供机械稳定性。最近，在设计与现有电极材料和电解质更兼容的AEI方面取得了重大进展。本综述总结了不同类型的AEI粘合剂，重点关注它们的化学结构、功能化、导电性，以及它们如何影响碱性燃料电池，特别是阴离子交换膜燃料电池（AEMFC）的性能。它还讨论了官能团、聚合物主链和侧链柔韧性以及离子交换容量等因素如何平衡导电性、机械强度和吸水率（WU）。探讨了材料设计方面的最新进展，如聚合物共混物、复合材料和交联离聚物，以及电极设置，如不对称离聚物电极，作为提高稳定性和离子传输的方法。讨论了AEI面临的主要挑战，包括水管理、碱性降解、相分离、机械强度和长期耐久性，以及克服这些挑战的策略。最后，我们概述了未来的研究方向，即开发可扩展、经济的解决方案，并将这些粘合剂与新的电极材料集成，以帮助提高下一代AEMFC的性能和稳定性。
