Synthesis of anion exchange membranes from cellulose: Crosslinking with diiodobutane

Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells operating in alkaline media present various advantages. As an alternative to fossil origin polymer electrolytes, the synthesis of crosslinked anion exchange membranes based on cellulose is described in this paper. Using cellulose p-toluenesulfonate derivatives, a carbohydrate polymer bearing quaternary ammonium moieties is synthesized by a reaction with 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane. Membranes are then obtained by crosslinking this cationic polymer with diiodobutane. IR and NMR spectroscopy together with elemental analysis confirmed structures of the different intermediates. In order to complete this study, Ionic Exchange Capacity, Water Uptake and conductimetry data are also provided.