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🤝 Collaborative Paper

Enhanced Fuel Cell Performance with Robust Pyridinium-Derivative-Functionalized SBS Triblock Copolymer Anion-Exchange Membranes

ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 18 (2026) 6687–6700 (ACS Publications) | DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5c06877
Authors：Beyadgalem Endawoke Anley, Yohannis Wondwosen Ahmed, Afandi Yusuf, Andy Candra, Sintayehu Leshe Kitaw, Tsung-Yun Wu, Chun-Chiang Huang, Jun-Sheng Wang, Darieo Thankachan, Mahvash Hira Khan, Yu-Ting Cheng, Chen-Hao Wang, and Hsieh-Chih Tsai*

📄 Abstract

A series of polystyrene-block-polybutadiene-block-polystyrene (SBS) membranes functionalized with pyridinium derivatives (SBS-QA+py) were synthesized through free-radical chlorination. The resulting AEMs exhibited controlled IECs, water uptake, and optimized interionic separation. The SBS-Qdpy2 AEM achieved a peak ionic conductivity of 101.23 mS cm⁻¹ at 80 °C and a peak power density of 398.14 mW cm⁻² in a H₂/O₂ flow single cell at 80 °C, surpassing all previously reported SBS-based AEMs. The membranes also demonstrated excellent chemical durability in 1 M NaOH over 30 days.

🔬 Five Key Findings

1
398.14 mW cm⁻² peak power density at 80 °C H₂/O₂ single cell — highest among reported SBS-based AEMs.
2
101.23 mS cm⁻¹ ionic conductivity at 80 °C (IEC: 1.72 mequiv g⁻¹) with balanced dimensional stability.
3
30-day alkaline durability: stable in 1 M NaOH for 30 days with superior alkaline stability.
4
Non-covalent stacking: π-π interactions between polystyrene and pyridinic segments enhance mechanical integrity.
5
Precise IEC & nanochannel control: optimal balance between conductivity and mechanical strength.

📊 Key Figures

Figure 1: Chemical structure of SBS-QA+py AEMs showing the free-radical chlorination of polybutadiene segments and subsequent pyridinium functionalization.
Figure 2: Ionic conductivity vs. temperature relationship for SBS-Qdpy2 AEM, and H₂/O₂ single cell polarization curves with power density at 80 °C.