Hydrophobic Quaternized Poly(fluorene) Ionomers for Emerging Fuel Cells

Quaternized polymers as ionomeric binders in the electrode enable operation of alternative fuel cells under high pH conditions or anhydrous to overcome challenges proton exchange membrane cells. Hydrophobicity ionomers derived from fluorine content is beneficial performance, but due synthetic difficulties, not many fluorinated quaternized have been reported with their influence on behavior these emerging In this presentation, we report a series poly(fluorene)s controlled hydrophobicity by changing length flexible fluoroalkyl chains. The contact angle electrodes containing ranged 108.7 163.8°, comparable that perfluorosulfonic acid-bonded electrodes. anion employing ionomer exhibits improved durability (voltage loss 0.41 mV h −1 ) through better water management. high-temperature proton-exchange cell using showed superior H 2 /air performance (1.4 A cm -2 at 0.4 V). study poly(fluorene) highlights benefits hydrophobic for highly efficient and cost-effective systems.