Self‐Aggregation to Construct Hydroxide Highways in Anion Exchange Membranes

Abstract Well‐organized hydroxide channels are constructed by introducing quaternary ammonium phthalocyanine (QAPc) into anion exchange membranes. A hydroxide conductivity as high as 236.2 mS cm −1 @80 °C is successfully achieved by striking a balance between the self‐aggregation advantage and the weak basicity weakness of the QAPc side chains. The strong π–π interaction between QAPc macrocycles is utilized to force the positive charged head groups to aggregate for the formation of hydroxide channels, and trimethylamine (TMA) head groups are added to increase regional OH − mobility. 5 nm hydroxide channels are confirmed by synchrotron radiation and transmission electron microscope methods. Coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulation provide further theoretical chemistry evidences for the enhanced OH − transportation mechanism in the QAPc‐containing AEMs.