Photochemical Methods to Study the Radical-Induced Degradation of Anion-Exchange Membranes.

ABSTRACT: We adapted two photochemical methods to generate radicals and assess their impact on anion exchange membrane stability, independent of base-induced degradation. Through the exposure of aqueous solutions of potassium nitrite or suspensions of TiO₂ to UV light at 365 nm, we generated hydroxyl radicals or a combination of hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. The methods' applicability to anion exchange membranes (AEMs) is demonstrated on three commercial AEMs: PiperION-40, FM-FAA-3-PK-75, and PNB-R45. Changes in ion-exchange capacity, along with FT-IR and NMR analyses, revealed significant degradation in thinner, non-reinforced membranes, while thicker and reinforced membranes showed greater resistance. We attribute this to the limited penetration depth of highly reactive radicals int

SUBMITTER: Solyom P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12566383 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature