Electrochemical Method for Measurement of Hydroxide Ion Conductivity and CO2 Poisoning Behavior of Anion Exchange Membrane

The anion exchange membrane used in alkaline membrane fuel cells transports hydroxide ions, and ion conductivity affects fuel cell performance. Thus, the measurement of absolute hydroxide ion conductivity is essential. However, it is challenging to accurately measure hydroxide ion conductivity since hydroxide ions are easily poisoned in the form of bicarbonate by carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In this study, we applied electrochemical ion exchange treatment to measure the absolute hydroxide ion conductivity of the anion exchange membrane. In addition, we investigated the effect of carbon dioxide poisoning of hydroxide ions on electrochemical performance by measuring bicarbonate conductivity. Commercial anion exchange membranes (FAA-3-50 and Orion TM1) and polyphenylene-based block copolymer (QPP-6F) were used.