WO2024025970A1

WO2024025970A1 - Membrane electrode assemblies using anion exchange membranes and anion exchange polymers

Info

Publication number: WO2024025970A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/028743
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chen MENGJIE; Bahar BAMDAD
Original assignee: Ffi Ionix Ip, Inc.
Priority date: 2022-07-26
Filing date: 2023-07-26
Publication date: 2024-02-01
Also published as: WO2024025970A9

Abstract

A membrane electrode assembly includes an anion conducting membrane and electrodes. The membrane electrode assembly is made from two different polymers in one system. The membrane electrode assembly of this invention is suitable for use in electrochemical devices, including anion exchange membrane electrolyzers.

Description

MEMBRANE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLIES USING ANION EXCHANGE MEMBRANES AND

ANION EXCHANGE POLYMERS

Cross Reference To Related Applications

[0001] This patent claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/392,476 filed on July 26, 2022; the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to membrane electrode assemblies suitable for use in electrochemical devices, including anion exchange membrane electrolyzers, and methods for making same. It provides two families of polymers/ionomers capable of forming composite membranes having good OH' ionic conductivity and mechanical strength. The invention also provides electrodes including a different family of polymers/ionomers with excellent ionic conductivity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Electrochemical devices, including anion exchange membrane (AEM)fuel cells, sensors, electrolyzers, have been constructed from membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). Such MEAs comprise two electrodes which are in contact with an ion conductive membrane. Anion conductive membranes are used in electrochemical cells as solid electrolytes. In a typical electrochemical cell, an AEM is in contact with a cathode and an anode, and transports ions that are formed at the cathode to the anode, allowing current to flow in an external circuit connecting the electrodes. The central component of an electrochemical cell, such as a fuel cell, sensor, electrolyzer, is the three-layer membrane electrode assembly (MEA). It consists, in the most general sense, of two electrodes between which is sandwiched an anion exchange membrane. This 3-layer MEA is in turn sandwiched between two porous, electrically conducting elements called gas diffusion layers (GDLs) or porous transport layers (PTLs), to form a 5-layer MEA.

[0004] Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are solid polymer electrolyte membranes which allow for the transportation of anions (e.g. OH", Cl", Br) under a chemical or electrical potential. AEMs consist of polymers containing fixed positively charged functional groups and mobile negatively charged ions. [0005] Anion exchange membranes are a critical component of anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs), where hydrogen and oxygen are consumed to generate electricity with water as a byproduct. Anion exchange membranes are also used in anion exchange membrane electrolyzers (AEMELs), where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. In both anion exchange membrane fuel cells and water electrolysis, hydroxide ions and water are transported across the membrane. AEMFCs and AEMELs have garnered recent interest due to their potential to eliminate the need for expensive platinum group metal catalysts, fluorinated ionomers, and acid-resistant metals in these electrochemical systems. AEMs may also be used in batteries, sensors, electrochemical compressors, and various separation applications.

[0006] AEMs require a higher activation energy for hydroxide ion transport compared to proton transport in proton exchange membranes. To achieve high ionic conductivity and hydrophilic- domain phase separation, AEMs are designed to have high ion exchange capacity. High ion exchange capacity increases water uptake and hydrophilic-domain phase separation, leading to a reduction in mechanical strength and dimensional stability.

[0007] The ionomer used in both anode and cathode provides an ionic pathway in the electrode between the solid polymer membrane and the catalyst particles on the PTLs/GDLs. The ionomer also plays a crucial role in providing adhesion among the components in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA).

[0008] There is therefore a need for inexpensive, high ion-conducting, chemically stable MEA materials to enable the performance of developing electrochemical systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides membrane electrode assembly comprising anion exchange membrane with a membrane anion exchange polymer and electrodes layers comprising an electrode anion exchange polymer, wherein the membrane and electrode anion exchange polymers may be different in the MEA system.

[0010] An exemplary anion exchange polymer is polymer that is functionalized with quaternary ammonium groups. Polynorbornene or poly(phenylene) polymer may be imbibed into or otherwise coupled with one or more porous support layers for reinforcement and used as an anion conducting membrane between an anode and a cathode in an anion exchange membrane (AEM). The reinforcement can be single porous support layer or multiple support layers with anion exchange polymer coupled to each layer, such as being imbibed into the layer or layers. In the case of multiple layers, the anion exchange polymer may be configured between the support layers and bond the support layers together. The polynorbornene or poly(phenylene) anion exchange polymer may also be used in the anode or cathode of an AEM as well or may form an interface layer with the anode and cathode and may act as an adhesive to bond the anode and/or cathode to the AEM.

[0011] An exemplary anion exchange polymer is polyimidazolium polymer that may be imbibed into or otherwise coupled with single support layer or multiple support layers of support material, such as a porous or microporous support material for reinforcement. The polyimidazolium anion exchange polymer is preferrable used in the anode or cathode as a binder and ion conducting media of a membrane electrode assembly. Polyimidazolium may be used for electrodes preparation in the catalyst layer, which is functionalized before preparation. The polyimidazolium anion exchange polymer may be coupled with catalyst to form the anode and cathode and may bond with the polynorbornene or poly(phenylene) of the anion exchange membrane. The anion exchange membrane may comprise polyimidazolium as well and preferably in a small percentage.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the anode and cathode have an anion exchange polymer that consists of, or consists essentially of polyimidazolium, wherein at least 90% of the anion exchange polymer in the anode or cathode, and preferably at least 95% is polyimidazolium. As described herein, the anode and cathode may comprise polynorbornene or poly(phenylene). Likewise, the anion exchange membrane may utilize an anion exchange polymer that is polynorbornene or poly(phenylene) or that consists essentially of polynorbornene or poly(phenylene), wherein at least 90% of the anion exchange polymer in the anode or cathode, and preferably at least 95% is polynorbornene or poly(phenylene). This configuration provides for better ion conductivity and stability. The polyimidazolium provides better performance in the anode and the cathode with respect to water management, wherein it may have less water gain and therefore swell less with water and perform better in saturated conditions. The polyimidazolium may prevent the anode and/or cathode from flooding than polynorbornene or poly(phenylene). The polynorbornene or poly(phenylene) anion exchange polymer is preferred in the anion exchange polymer as it is more durable.

[0013] An anion exchange membrane is prepared by imbibing a polymer solution of a non-ionic precursor polymer with one or more porous support layer materials followed by conversion of a functional moiety on the polymer to form a trimethyl ammonium cation. Such a conversion can be accomplished by treatment of the precursor polymer membrane with trimethylamine. In addition, an optional chemical crosslinking reaction can also be used to toughen the polymer by converting it from a thermoplastic to a thermoset material. Such a conversion can be accomplished by treatment of the precursor polymer membrane by a diamine, which is typically performed before the amination reaction. Typically, the thickness of the functionalized membrane is 75 micrometers or less, more typically 50 micrometers or less, and in some embodiments 20 micrometers or less.

[0014] The electrodes may be prepared by coating the mixture of catalyst and functionalized polyimidazolium polymer onto a gas diffusion layer.

[0015] It is critical to have different polymers in one MEA structure. The polymer used in the membrane can be different from the polymer used in the electrodes to improve the performance of the electrochemical cell such as electrolyzer or electrochemical cell. At anode, the hydroxides are consumed to produce oxygen. In the case of the anode, water uptake was the critical factor in performance because excess swelling in the water-fed electrode negated the benefits of high ionic conductivity. It is noted that the volume fraction of hydrated ionomer in the electrode is significantly greater in the case of electrodes with high ion exchange capacity (IEC) ionomer compared to low IEC ionomers. Excess water uptake can swell the ionomer and disrupt the three- phase boundary needed in the electrode, leading to higher resistance and lower performance. It is also possible that high ionomer swelling can decrease the void volume between the catalyst particles. An electrically insulating film of residual ionomer can form around the catalyst particles leading to a higher contact resistance and kinetic overpotential. Water is consumed at cathode to produce hydrogen. The HER electrode, on the other hand, requires a higher local water activity because water is consumed at the HER electrode to form hydrogen and hydroxide ions, and is supplied only by diffusion from the water reservoir at the anode. Therefore, it is important to choose optimized polymer in the electrodes and the ionomers used in electrode can be different from that used in membranes. Also, the conductivity of polymer used in the membrane is more important than that of polymer used in the electrodes. Because the anode is usually fed with supporting electrolyte, which facilitates the conductivity of electrode.

[0016] Polyimidazolium offers a balanced alkaline stability and high IEC that provides exceptional chemical stability and hydroxide conductivity with low water content by tuning steric- protecting groups at the C2 position and different alkyl side chains attached to the N1/N3 imidazole position.

[0017] Exemplary polynorbornene, poly(phenylene), and polyimidazolium may have functional groups selected from the group of quaternary ammoniums, tertiary diamines, phosphonium, benz(imidazolium), sulphonium, guanidinium, imidazolium, metal cations, pyridinium, trimethylammonium(TMA),1-methylpyrrolidinium(MPY), 1-methylpiperidinium (MPRD), 1- methylimidazolium (Im1 ) and 1 ,2-dimethylimidazolium (Im1 ,2). Preferably the functional group is quaternary ammonium. The mol percent of the functional groups in terms of monomer can be varying from 18% to 80%, or about 25% to about 80%, or about 50% to 80%, or even about 60% to 80%. A higher mol percent of the functional groups with respect to the monomer or anion conducting polymer may provide higher anion conductivity.

[0018] An exemplary porous support layer is made from polymer group consisting of polyolefins, polyamides, polycarbonates, cellulosics, polyacrylates, copolyether esters, polyamides, polyarylether ketones, polysulfones, polybenzimidazoles, fluoropolymers, and chlorinated polymers, polyether ether ketones (PEEK).

[0019] Exemplary polynorbornene, polyphenylene, and polyimidazolium may have additive selected from a group consisting of radical scavengers, plasticizers, fillers, anion conducting material, crosslinking agent.

[0020] Exemplary porous transport layer and gas diffusion layer is made from nickel foam, nickel fiber felt, nickel woven, sintered Ni plate, titanium felt, carbon paper, carbon cloth. Owing to the corrosion which can be caused at the anode side, materials based on carbon cannot be used on the anode side of an electrolysis MEA.

[0021] An exemplary membrane electrode assembly comprises an anion exchange membrane comprising a membrane anion exchange polymer that comprises polynorbornene or poly(phenylene) having membrane functional groups; an anode comprising an anode catalyst; and a cathode comprising a cathode catalyst, wherein at least one of the anode or cathode comprises an electrode anion exchange polymer comprising polyimidazolium polymer comprising an electrode functional group.

[0022] The membrane functional group may comprise quaternary ammonium, tertiary diamines, phosphonium, benz(imidazolium), sulphonium, guanidinium, metal cations, and/or pyridinium. Quaternary ammonium may be a preferred functional group.

[0023] The membrane anion exchange polymer may include polynorbornene and a functional group comprising quaternary ammonium, tertiary diamines, phosphonium, benz(imidazolium), sulphonium, guanidinium, metal cations and/or pyridinium. The membrane anion exchange polymer may include polynorbornene and the membrane functional group may comprise quaternary ammonium, in an exemplary embodiment. The membrane anion exchange polymer may include poly(phenylene) and the membrane functional group may include quaternary ammonium, tertiary diamines, phosphonium, benz(imidazolium), sulphonium, guanidinium, metal cations, and/or pyridinium. The membrane anion exchange polymer may include poly(phenylene) and the membrane functional group may include quaternary ammonium.

[0024] The membrane anion exchange polymer may include an additive selected from a group consisting of radical scavengers, plasticizers, fillers, anion conducting material, crosslinking agent. An exemplary radical scavenger is an antioxidant selected from the group consisting of Cerium (Ce), Manganese (Mn), phenolic compounds, nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, quinones, amine, phosphites, phosphonites, and thioesters. An exemplary plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of nylon 6,6, Glycerol and ionic liquids. An exemplary filler is a hygroscopic inorganic filler. An exemplary filler is a carbon-based material selected from the group consisting of oxides of aluminum, silicon, titanium, zirconium and zirconium phosphate, cesium phosphate, zeolites, clays and carbon black, multiwall carbon nanotubes, reduced graphene oxide. An exemplary crosslinking agent comprise tertiary diamine head groups which include DABCO (1 ,4-diazabicyclo[2,2,2]octane) and TMHDA (N,N,N,N- tetramethylhexane diammonium), 1 ,4-diiodobutane.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, both the anode and the cathode comprise an electrode anion exchange polymer comprising polyimidazolium polymer comprising an electrode functional group. An electrode functional group, anode polymer functional group and/or cathode polymer functional group may be selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium, tertiary diamines, phosphonium, benz(imidazolium), sulphonium, guanidinium, metal cations, and pyridinium. The anode and/or cathode polymer functional group may be quaternary ammonium.

[0026] An exemplary anion exchange membrane comprises a microporous support layer. The anion exchange polymer may be imbibed into pores of the microporous support layer. Also, the anion exchange polymer may extend as a layer on an anode side of the anion exchange membrane and/or as a layer on the cathode side of the anion exchange membrane. An exemplary porous polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyamides, polycarbonates, cellulosics, polyacrylates, copolyether esters, polyamides, polyarylether ketones, polysulfones, polybenzimidazoles, fluoropolymers, and chlorinated polymers. The anion exchange membrane may have a thickness of the no more than 100pm, or no more than about 50pm, no more than about 25pm, or even no more than 15 or 10pm and any range between and including the thickness values provide.

[0027] . The support material may be porous prior to coupling with the anion exchange polymer and may be porous or microporous having a mean flow pore size, as determined by a coulter porometer test, determined by Porous Materials Inc (PMI) (Ithaca NY) advanced capillary flow porometer, any of models 1100 to 1500 may be used, or equivalent. A porous support material may have a mean flow pore size of 500 microns or less, and may be microporous having a mean flow pore size of 100 microns, 50 microns or less, 20 microns or less, 10 microns or less, 5 microns or less, or even about 2 or even 1 micron or less. The anion exchange membrane with a support material may be non-porous having a Gurley time, as determined by a Gurley Precision Instruments, (Troy NY) 4340 test, of more than 200 seconds. [0028] The anode catalyst may comprise oxides catalyst and the anode may further comprise an ionomer such as polynorbornene, poly(phenylene), and preferably polyimidazolium. The cathode catalyst may comprise oxides catalyst and the cathode further comprise an ionomer such as polynorbornene, poly(phenylene), and preferably polyimidazolium. . An exemplary oxides catalyst may be supported or non-supported oxides such as NiFeaCU, IrOa, C03O4, CoCuO_x, MnOa, BaSrCuFeOx, PbRuO_x, RuO_x, lrRuO_x, NiCoFeOx, NbO_x, LaSrCoO_x. The ionomer may include functionalized polyimidazolium-based polymer.

[0029] A cathode catalyst may comprise precious metal catalyst and the cathode may further comprise an ionomer. The precious metal catalyst may be Pt/C, Pt-transition metal alloy supported on carbon, or Pt black and the ionomer may be a functionalized polyimidazolium-based polymer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the description to explain the principles of the invention.

[0031] Figure 1 shows the cross-sectional view of an exemplary Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) having an anode gas diffusion layer, an anode with an anode catalyst and an anode anion exchange polymer, an anion exchange membrane having anion exchange polymer and a support layer, a cathode with a cathode catalyst and a cathode anion exchange polymer, and a cathode gas diffusion layer.

[0032] Figure 2 shows the chemical structure of polynorbornene. This typical structure shows the cross linked polynorbornene which is a block co-polymer.

[0033] Figure 3 shows the chemical structure of polyphenylene, which are synthesized by comprising ether free functionalized polyphenylene compounds integrated with functionalized poly(fluorene).

[0034] Figure 4 shows the chemical structure of another type of polyphenylene.

[0035] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the figures. The figures represent an illustration of some of the embodiments of the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. Some of the figures may not show all of the features and components of the invention for ease of illustration, but it is to be understood that where possible, features and components from one figure may be included in the other figures. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] The figures represent an illustration of some of the embodiments of the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0037] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Also, use of “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0038] Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein and are illustrated in the accompanying figures. The embodiments described are only for purposes of illustrating the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention, and certain modifications, combinations and improvements of the described embodiments, will occur to those skilled in the art and all such alternate embodiments, combinations, modifications, improvements are within the scope of the present invention.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 10 has an anode gas diffusion layer 26, an anode 20, a cathode 40, and an anion exchange membrane 30 configured between and coupled with the anode and cathode and a cathode gas diffusion layer 46. The anode 20 has an anode catalyst 22 and an anode anion exchange polymer 23 with anode functional groups 24. The cathode 40 has a cathode catalyst 42, a cathode anion exchange polymer 43 with cathode functional groups 44. The anion exchange membrane 30 is configured between the anode 20 and cathode 40 and includes a membrane anion exchange polymer 33 having membrane functional groups 34. The anion exchange membrane has support layers 35 35’, which are multiple layers of a support material 37 that may have pores 36 that the anion exchange polymer 32 is imbibed or otherwise configured therein. The anion exchange membrane 30 has a first support layer 35 and a second support layer 35’ with a layer of anion exchange polymer 32 configured between the support layers. Also, a layer of anion exchange polymer 32’ is configured on the anode side 12 of the anion exchange membrane 30 and a layer of anion exchange polymer 32” is configured on the cathode 14 side of then anode exchange membrane. This configuration may provide high ion conductivity between the anode and the anion exchange membrane and the cathode and the anion exchange membrane while also providing mechanical support of the anion exchange membrane. Each of the support layers 35, 35’ of the respective support materials 37, 37’ having pores 36, 36’ that the anion exchange polymer 33 is imbibed into. An anode gas diffusion layer 26 is configured on the anode side 12 of the MEA 10 and a cathode gas diffusion layer 46 is configured on the cathode side 14 of the MEA 10. The functional groups may be chemically bonded to the anion exchange polymers of the anode, cathode and membrane and may be configured or coupled to side chains of the anion exchange polymer.

[0040] The membrane anion exchange polymer may be coupled with a support layer 35, such as by being imbibed into the pores 36 of the support layer 35 and/or by being coated onto or extending as a layer on an anode side and/or cathode side of the support layer. A support layer may be a microporous support layer having pores with a mean flow pore diameter of no more than about 10 microns, no more than about 5 microns, and in some cases no more than about 1 micron.

[0041] Additives, as described herein may be incorporated into the anode 20, cathode 40 and/or the anion exchange membrane 30 and may be mixed with or coupled to the anion exchange polymer of the anode, cathode and anion exchange membrane. An anode additive 28, cathode additive 48 and membrane additive 38 may be any of the additives as described herein, including radical scavengers, plasticizers, fillers, anion conducting material and/or crosslinking agent. EXAMPLE

[0042] In one embodiment, a 30-micron membrane was prepared by dissolving the polynorbornene precursor polymer in toluene at a 15% weight ratio, with 15g of polymer to 85g of solvent. The mixture was stirred until homogenous and translucent. Afterwards TMHDA (N,N,N',N'-Tetramethyl-1 ,6-diaminohexane) was used for 5 mol% crosslinking. [0043] The polynorbornene precursor polymer solution was then applied to a microporous PTFE, expanded PTFE, material tensioned around a chemically resistant plastic frame.

Example 2

[0044] In another embodiment, a membrane was prepared by dissolving the poly(phenylene) precursor polymer in toluene at a 10% weight ratio with 10g of polymer to 90g of solvent. The mixture was stirred until homogenous and translucent.

[0045] The poly(phenylene) precursor polymer was then applied to a support layer, a microporous PTFE material or membrane, with a doctor blade.

[0046] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the latter embodiment can be scaled up to a roll-to-roll, continuous process.

[0047] In the case of either embodiment, multiple coatings can be applied to increase the membrane thickness or to facilitate filling of the porous material.

[0048] In the case of either embodiment, the precursor polymer membrane can be soaked in trimethylamine solution in water or ethanol to convert the haloalkyl moieties within the precursor polymer to a trialkyl ammonium head-group enabling anion conduction within the membrane. The mobile halogen counter ion (e.g. bromide, chloride or iodide) can later be exchanged with hydroxide ions.

[0049] Optionally, the precursor polymer membrane can contain or be soaked in a diamine, such as tetramethyl hexyldiamine, to cross-link some or all of the haloalkyl moieties. The crosslinking is preferably carried out before the amination reaction in trimethylamine; however, crosslinking may also be carried out after amination.

[0050] In both embodiments, the MEA according to the invention has a free membrane margin which is not supported by a gas diffusion layer. The peripheral region, i.e. the distance from the outer edge of the membrane to the outer edge of the smaller gas diffusion layer on the cathode side, is small and in the assembled membrane-electrode assembly has a width of at least 0.5 cm around the circumference, preferably a width of at least 0.7 mm. For cost reasons, the width of the margin should be limited to a maximum of 6 mm around the circumference.

[0051] A further advantage of the electrolysis MEA of the invention is that, owing to the construction described, it has a stable structure which is easy to handle. The two catalyst layers or electrodes of the membrane electrode assembly are physically separated from one another by a greater distance in the peripheral region as a result of the construction according to the invention. The risk of a short-circuit is significantly reduced. In the subsequent processing steps (e.g. during installation of the sealing material), there is no risk of the poles being short-circuited by, for example, fibers from the gas diffusion layers. [0052] Owing to the small width of the free membrane surface, the membrane consumption is limited. This leads to considerable cost savings compared to conventional MEA products.

[0053] The production process for the electrolysis MEAs of the invention consists of a combined process of porous transport layer and/or gas diffusion layer coating (“CCS process”), with the two substrates being coated with catalyst and ionomer on only one side. However, to achieve a higher catalyst loading, one side of the substrate can be coated several times.

[0054] To produce the membrane electrode assemblies, the precious metal free or precious metal catalysts are manufactured into inks using suitable solvents, with addition of functionalized polyimidazolium ionomer materials. The precious metal free catalyst is applied to a porous transport layer at the anode, and the precious metal catalyst is applied to gas diffusion layer for the cathode. The typical catalyst loading on the anode is in the range from 0.5 to 3.0 mg of catalyst/cm², and catalysts comprising NiFe2O4 are preferably used here. Standard hydrogen evolution reaction catalysts are used on the cathode side. The cathode loadings are in the range from 0.1 to 1 .0 mg of Pt/cm². A drying process is then generally carried out to remove the solvents from the catalyst inks.

[0055] The carbon-based gas diffusion layers for the cathode can comprise porous, electrically conductive materials such as graphitized or carbonized carbon fiber papers, carbon fiber nonwovens, woven carbon fiber fabrics and/or the like. The carbon-based gas diffusion layer may comprise a microporous layer. The porous transport layer on the anode side can comprise a woven metal mesh, metal gauze, metal nonwoven, metal fibers, metal multifilament and/or another porous metallic structure. For example, sintered Ni felt can be used. The PTL may comprise a microporous layer.

[0056] The ion conducting membrane generally comprises hydroxide conducting polymer materials. Preference is given to using a polynorbornene or poly(phenyiene) having quaternary ammoniums groups. This material is marketed under the trade name For sealing or edging the membrane electrode assemblies of the invention, it is possible to use organic polymers which are inert under the operating conditions of water electrolysis and release no interfering substances. The polymers must be able to surround the gas diffusion layers in a gastight manner. Further important requirements which such polymers must meet are good adhesion behavior and good wetting properties in respect of the free surface of the ion conducting membrane. Suitable materials are firstly thermoplastic polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, PTFE, PVDF, polyamide, polyimide, polyurethane or polyester, and secondly thermoset polymers such as epoxy resins or cyanoacrylates. Further suitable polymers are elastomers such as silicone rubber, EPDM, fluoroelastomers, perfluoroelastomers, chloroprene elastomers and fluorosilicone elastomers.

[0057] Figure 2 shows the chemical structure of polynorbornene. This typical structure shows the cross linked polynorbornene which is an aminated block copolymer.

[0058] Figure 3 shows the chemical structure of polyphenylene, which are synthesized by comprising ether free functionalized polyphenylene compounds integrated with functionalized poly(fluorene).

[0059] Figure 4 shows the chemical structure of another type of polyphenylene.

[0060] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. Specific embodiments, features and elements described herein may be modified, and/or combined in any suitable manner. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications, combinations and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 . A membrane electrode assembly comprising: a) an anion exchange membrane comprising a membrane anion exchange polymer that comprises polynorbornene or poly(phenylene) having membrane functional groups; b) an anode comprising an anode catalyst; and c) a cathode comprising a cathode catalyst, wherein both the anode and cathode each comprise an electrode anion exchange polymer comprising polyimidazolium polymer comprising an electrode functional group.

2. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 1 , wherein the membrane functional group is selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium, tertiary diamines, phosphonium, benz(imidazolium), sulphonium, guanidinium, metal cations, and pyridinium.

3. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 1 , wherein the membrane functional group quaternary ammonium.

4. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 1 , wherein the membrane anion exchange polymer comprises polynorbornene and wherein the membrane functional group is selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium, tertiary diamines, phosphonium, benz(imidazolium), sulphonium, guanidinium, metal cations, and pyridinium.

5. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 1 , wherein the membrane anion exchange polymer comprises polynorbornene and the membrane functional group comprises quaternary ammonium.

6. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 1 , wherein the membrane anion exchange polymer comprises poly(phenylene) and wherein the membrane functional group is selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium, tertiary diamines, phosphonium, benz(imidazolium), sulphonium, guanidinium, metal cations, and pyridinium.

7. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 1 , wherein the membrane anion exchange polymer comprises poly(phenylene) and the membrane functional group comprises quaternary ammonium.

8. The anion exchange membrane of claim 1 , wherein the electrode functional group is selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium, tertiary diamines, phosphonium, benz(imidazolium), sulphonium, guanidinium, metal cations, and pyridinium.

9. The anion exchange membrane of claim 1 , wherein the electrode functional group quaternary ammonium. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 1 , wherein the anode catalyst comprises oxides catalyst. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 10, wherein the oxides catalyst is selected from supported or non-supported oxides such as NiFe2O₄, lrO₂, CO3O4, CoCuOx, MnO₂, BaSrCuFeOx, PbRuO_x, RuO_x, IrRuOx, NiCoFeOx, NbO_x, LaSrCoO_x The membrane electrode assembly of claim 11 wherein the electrode anion exchange polymer is functionalized polyimidazolium. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 1, wherein the cathode catalyst comprises precious metal catalyst. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 13, wherein the precious metal catalyst is selected from Pt/C, Pt-transition metal alloy supported on carbon, or Pt black. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 13, wherein the electrode anion exchange polymer is functionalized polyimidazolium. The membrane electrode assembly of any of the previous claims, wherein the membrane anion exchange polymer comprises an additive. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 16, wherein the additive is selected from a group consisting of radical scavengers, plasticizers, fillers, anion conducting material, crosslinking agent. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 17, wherein the radical scavenger is an antioxidant selected from the group consisting of Cerium (Ce), Manganese (Mn), phenolic compounds, nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, quinones, amine, phosphites, phosphonites, and thioesters. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 16, wherein the additive comprises a plasticizer that is selected from the group consisting of nylon 6,6, Glycerol and ionic liquids. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 16, wherein the additive comprises a filler that is a hygroscopic inorganic filler. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 16, wherein the additive comprises a filler that a carbon-based material selected from the group consisting of oxides of aluminum, silicon, titanium, zirconium and zirconium phosphate, cesium phosphate, zeolites, clays and carbon black, multiwall carbon nanotubes, reduced graphene oxide. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 16, where the additive comprises a crosslinking agent comprise tertiary diamine head groups which include DABCO (1 ,4- diazabicyclo[2,2,2]octane) and TMHDA (N,N,N,N-tetramethylhexane diammonium), 1,4- diiodobutane. The membrane electrode assembly of any of claim 1 to 15, wherein the anion exchange membrane comprises a support layer and wherein the anion exchange polymer is coupled with the support layer. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 23, wherein the support layer is a support material having pores with an average mean flow pore size of no more than 500 microns. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 23, wherein the support layer is a microporous support layer having an average mean flow pore size of no more than 100 microns. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 23 wherein the support layer is a microporous support layer having an average mean flow pore size of no more than 20 microns. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 23, wherein the anion exchange polymer is imbibed into the pores of the support layer. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 27, wherein the anion exchange polymer extends as a layer on an anode side of the anion exchange membrane. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 27, wherein the anion exchange polymer extends as a layer on a cathode side of the anion exchange membrane. The anion exchange membrane of claim 27, wherein the porous polymer is selected from the group comprising polyolefins, polyamides, polycarbonates, cellulosics, polyacrylates, copolyether esters, polyamides, polyarylether ketones, polysulfones, polybenzimidazoles, fluoropolymers, and chlorinated polymers. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 27, wherein a thickness of the anion exchange membrane is no more than 100μm. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 31, comprising a plurality said support layers. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 1 , further comprising an anode gas diffusion layer selected from the group consisting of woven metal mesh, metal gauze, metal nonwoven, metal fibers, metal multifilament and another porous metallic structure. The membrane electrode assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a cathode gas diffusion layer selected from the group consisting of carbon fiber papers, carbon fiber nonwovens and woven carbon fiber fabrics.