and

While robust, well performing proton exchange membranes (PEM) have been developed for fuel cells, these systems are still limited by the high cost of platinum catalyst and limited fuel options. The alkali nature of anion exchange membrane (AEM) fuel cells increases fuel oxidation kinetics allowing options for lower cost catalysts and a variety of fuels 1. AEMs must have a high ionic conductivity, resistance to crossover, and chemical and mechanical stability over the lifetime of the fuel cell 1 Mechanical durability is often the last consideration in membrane development, however mechanical deterioration of the membrane is often the ultimate failure mechanism of a working cel