A mini-review on alkaline stability of imidazolium cations and imidazolium-based anion exchange membranes

An important component of anion-exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) is an anion exchange membrane (AEM). AEMFCs have substantial potential to use nonprecious electrocatalysts at high pH and recently attracted much attention. Sufficient long-term stability in highly alkaline conditions and at elevated temperatures is one of the requirements of ideal AEMs. Due to high alkaline stability, imidazolium with various substitutes is an auspicious candidate as a stable cation for AEMs. Here, the current improvement of the chemical durability of imidazolium cations and corresponding AEMs is reviewed. And included the investigations which were done by both theoretical calculations and experimental studies. The strategy for enhancing the chemical durability of imidazolium groups and the mechanical properties of equivalent AEMs have been summarized. This study will offer an outline of some significant features for designing highly alkaline stable imidazolium cationic groups and their analogous AEMs in the future.