Low-temperature water electrolysis and hydrogen fuel cells using anion conductive polymer electrolytes has several potential advantages over acid-based polymer electrolyzers. However, the formation of durable, membranes and high surface area electrodes remains a challenge. In this study, a family of poly(norbornene) based membranes and covalently bonded, self-adherent, hydroxide conducting ionomers has been synthesized and tested under alkaline electrolysis conditions. Poly(norbornene) copolymer have been optimized for use as the solid polymer electrolyte and poly(norbornene) polymers has been developed for use as self-adhesive ionomers in electrodes. The oxygen gas producing anode is especially susceptible to catalyst detachment from the porous transport layer due to forces produced during the conversion of liquid water into oxygen gas.
