Tuning the performance of anion exchange membranes by embedding multifunctional nanotubes into a polymer matrix

摘要: Abstract Herein, a series of quaternized halloysite nanotubes (QHNTs) bearing different imidazoliums groups are prepared via distillation–precipitation polymerization and quaternarization, then embedded into chitosan (CS) matrix to fabricate hybrid membranes. Systematic characterizations measurements performed explore the relationships between ligand ammonium performance membrane. It is found that QHNTs well-dispersed within CS matrix, chain mobility promoted driven by repulsive interactions from QHNTs, in turn affording increments water uptake area swelling. Together with mobility, low-barrier conduction pathways formed along surface confer significant enhancement hydroxyl conductivity For hydrophilic could adsorb more molecules short favorable for contacting hydroxyl, both which beneficial high conductivity. Particularly, incorporating 7.5% ester-type QA endows membrane an 89% increase 0.009 0.017 S cm −1 at 90 °C 100% RH. Yet under anhydrous conditions, positive charge dispersity stereo-hindrance effect predominant factors ion hopping.