Long lifetime in concentrated LiOH aqueous solution of air electrode protected with interpenetrating polymer network membrane

[Display omitted] ► We developed an air electrode with long lifetime in concentrated LiOH aqueous solution. ► Electrode is protected with an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) membrane combining an anion conducting network with an neutral polymer network. ► IPNs have an ion conductivity of about 1×10−3Scm−1 with good cation selectivity. ► Air electrode/IPN membrane assemblies are characterized under untreated air. ► They exhibit a discharge stability in LiOH 5M ten times higher than that of a bare electrode under the same conditions. Solid anion-exchange membranes that display interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) architecture were developed to be assembled on air electrode surface to improve its electrochemical stability in alkaline environment. The IPN membranes associate an anionic conducting polyepichlorohydrin network entangled within a cross-linked poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) in different mass proportions. The membranes possess suitable mechanical and thermal properties, an ionic conductivity of about 1×10−3Scm−1 and suitable cation selectivity. The electrochemical behaviour of the air electrode/IPN membrane assemblies (AEMA) were then evaluated in LiOH 5M. The polarization curves indicate that a good electrochemical interface was established between the electrode and the IPN membranes. Moreover, the AEMA exhibits a discharge stability in LiOH 5M ten times higher compared to a bare electrode under the same conditions.