Molecular‐Level Energy Dissipation and Micropore Engineering Synergistically Enhance Anion Exchange Membrane Performance

Abstract

Abstract Overcoming the intrinsic trade‐off between ionic conductivity and mechanical robustness remains a long‐standing challenge for anion exchange membranes (AEMs). Here, we report a helical tetra‐functional building block derived from tetraphenyl‐ethylene (TPE) that enables the simultaneous construction of interconnected ion‐transport channels and mechanically reinforced polymer networks. The non‐coplanar molecular configuration of TPE generates continuous microporous pathways, which establish efficient pathways for ion transport and enable 22.6% enhancement in H 2 O/OH − species diffusion. Meanwhile, restricted intramolecular rotations of the phenyl rings dissipate mechanical stress and prevent brittle fracture. Concurrently, the tetra‐functional structure yields a cross‐linked network, synergistically endowing the exceptional mechanical robustness of 79% enhancement in transverse tensile strength and 43% improvement in longitudinal hardness. Anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs) operating under harsh conditions of temperature and high alkalinity were used for application evaluation. The QTPE‐x‐configurated cell delivered an enhanced current density and exceptional operational stability. The molecular‐level design strategy successfully decouples ionic conductivity and mechanical integrity, providing a general framework for the development of high‐performance AEMs in sustainable energy conversion.