(185k) Quaternized g-Carbon Nitride–Polymer Nanocomposite Anion-Exchange Membranes | AIChE

(185k) Quaternized g-Carbon Nitride–Polymer Nanocomposite Anion-Exchange Membranes

Authors 

Gaud, J. - Presenter, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico
Santiago, G., Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico
Móvil-Cabrera, O., Idaho National Laboratory
Quaternized graphitic carbon nitride (Q-gCN) was incorporated into a polystyrene-based diblock copolymer in order to develop novel nanocomposite anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) with improved OH−conductivity and excellent chemical stability at high temperatures (~ 80ºC). More specifically, Q-gCN was synthesized via reductive alkylation of graphitic carbon nitride, while the nanocomposites membranes were fabricated by a solvent-casting method using an automatic film coater to control the film thickness (~50µm). The effect of filler content was studied in order to determine the optimal composition to fabricate AEMs with improved material properties. A wide variety of characterization techniques including XRD, FTIR, Raman, UV-vis, TGA, SEM, TEM and impedance spectroscopy were used to assess the material properties of Q-gCN and the nanocomposite membranes.