Advancements in Poly(Arylene Piperidinium)-Based Anion Exchange Membranes: From Molecular Design to High-Performance Applications in Fuel Cells and Water Electrolysis

This review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of recent advancements in poly(arylene piperidinium) anion exchange membranes (AEMs), highlighting their transformative potential for applications in fuel cells and water electrolysis. The paper discusses innovative molecular design strategies and advanced synthesis approaches that have led to substantial improvements in key performance metrics, such as ion conductivity, chemical stability, and mechanical durability. Special emphasis is given to breakthroughs involving poly(aryl piperidinium), poly(terphenyl piperidinium), and their crosslinked derivatives, utilizing superacid-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts polymerization, cyclo-quaternization, the Menshutkin reaction, and self-quaternization to achieve superior structural stability and ionic transport. The review also covers modification strategies, including crosslinking, polymer blending, addition of inorganic fillers like zirconia and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), and layer reinforcement techniques, which collectively enhance membrane performance under harsh alkaline conditions. The review provides a critical assessment of current challenges and outlines promising future directions, offering valuable insights into practical applications and guiding future research in this rapidly evolving field of clean energy technologies.