Imidazole-functionalized polyketone-based polyelectrolytes with efficient ionic channels and superwettability for alkaline polyelectrolyte fuel cells and multiple liquid purification

Abstract

Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) have received widespread attention as a core component in devices to solve energy and environmental problems. However, current AEMs cannot satisfy the requirement of ionic conductivity for energy conversion devices and cannot be effectively utilized in water resource recovery and treatment. This work presents a facile strategy for preparing polyketone-based anion exchange membranes (QAAPIPK) containing imidazole groups. Casting and electrospinning processing methods are adopted to extend their applications. The cast membrane QAAPIPK-C realized efficient ionic channels and obtained an ionic conductivity of 131.7 mS cm⁻¹ and a fuel cell peak power density of 160.7 mW cm⁻². The electrospun membrane QAAPIPK-E with superwettability was applied to the separation and purification of various emulsions under gravity for the first time, and the purification efficiency reached more than 99%. This work provides insights into the functional applications of polyketone and opens new applications for AEMs in the fields of energy conversion and water treatment.