Anion Exchange Membranes (AEM)

The Xergy Xion Composite Pention Anion Exchange Membranes are composite AEMs that use the poly(norbornene) based resin and has an ion exchange capacity of 3.4 to 3.6 meq/g. Pention anion exchange membranes offer excellent mechanical strength and stability to a wide variety of chemistries. These particular AEMs depending on their thickness and crosslinking degree have demonstrated up to 9 A/cm2 current densities (or >3 W/cm2 power densities) in alkaline fuel cells with excellent durability and lifetime [based on the recent jointly conducted study between NREL, University of South Carolina, and Georgia Institute of Technology].  Xergy currently produces Composite Pention anion exchange membrane sheets in 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50µm thicknesses and 2"x2", 4"x4" and 6"x6" sizes. Since all of these membrane products are mechanically reinforced, they are ideally suited for un-pressurized or pressurized anion exchange membrane fuel cells (with or without alkaline electrolyte), alkaline fuel cells (with or without alkaline electrolyte), alkaline proton pumps, alkaline oxygen concentrators, alkaline hypoxia, and alkaline batteries or any other neutral to alkaline electrochemical devices.  Gaseous or liquid reactants can be used without any issue.  

When would you use a thinner reinforced anion exchange membranes (equal or less than 10 micrometers)?
When the best efficiency is required and there won't be much differential pressure across the membrane. Or when the reactants (fuel or oxidizer) are supplied as dry gases (0% RH) or partially humidified (<50% RH).  Thinner membranes provides excellent water transport across the membrane, maintains sufficient amount of hydration both at the anode and cathode, and hence minimizes the generation of peroxide radicals and other radical species that are harmful to the membrane when the fuel or oxidant is supplied either as dry or partially humidified.

When would you use a thicker reinforced anion exchange membranes (greater than 10 micrometers)?
Thicker membranes are more appropriate for differential pressure applications or very long operational lifetimes. Or when the reactants (fuel or oxidizer) are supplied in sufficiently humidified states such as 50%+ RH.