resumo
The present work exploits the combination of a poly(ionic liquid) and nanocellulose for the design of functional nanostructured composites with potential application as bio-based anion-exchange membranes. So, a series of nanocomposite membranes based on a tetraalkylammonium derived polymeric ionic liquid, i.e. poly(methacroylcholine chloride) (PMACC), and bacterial nanocellulose (BC) were fabricated by the in situ free radical polymerization of methacroylcholine chloride within the swollen tridimensional BC network under green reaction conditions. The ensuing nanocomposites are significantly more transparent than pristine BC and show good mechanical properties (Young's modulus = 0.46 -8.42 GPa) and thermal stability up to 210-220 degrees C. In addition, the nanostructured membranes display high water uptake capacity and low crystallinity in comparison with pure BC, owing to the incorporation of the amorphous PMACC. The through-plane anionic conductivity of the membranes is strongly humidity-dependent and reaches a maximum of 10.0 mScm(-1) (94 degrees C, 98% relative humidity) for the membrane with the highest content of PMACC. These promising results emphasise the potential of these anion separator nanocomposites as bio-based alternative exchange membranes for application in fuel cells and related applications. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
palavras-chave
AMPHIPHILIC CATIONIC COPOLYMERS; FUEL-CELL APPLICATIONS; ALKALINE STABILITY; POLYMER; CHLORIDE; CONDUCTIVITY; STRATEGIES
categoria
Agriculture; Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology; Energy & Fuels
autores
Vilela, C; Sousa, N; Pinto, RJB; Silvestre, AJD; Figueiredo, FML; Freire, CSR
nossos autores
Grupos
G3 - Materiais Eletroquímicos, Interfaces e Revestimentos
G4 - Materiais Renováveis e Economia Circular
agradecimentos
This work was developed within the scope of the project CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007679 (FCT Ref. UID/CTM/50011/2013), financed by national funds through the FCT/MEC and when appropriate co-financed by FEDER under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement. The Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) is also acknowledged for the postdoctoral grants to C. Vilela (SFRH/BPD/84168/2012) and R.J.B. Pinto (SFRH/BPD/89982/2012), doctoral grant to N. Sousa (SFRH/BD/89670/2012), and research contracts under Investigador FCT to C.S.R. Freire (IF/01407/2012) and F.M.L. Figueiredo (IF/01174/2013).