Comparison of PVDF- and FEP-based radiation-grafted alkaline anion-exchange membranes for use in low temperature portable DMFCs

Vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC) has been radiation grafted onto both PVDF and FEP fluoropolymer films. Subsequent amination with trimethylamine and ion-exchange to give the hydroxide ion forms yield anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) suitable for use in low temperature direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) for portable applications. The polymeric backbone of the PVDF-based materials degrades on alkaline treatment; significantly, this is not the case for the FEP-based materials.