We have successfully exploited the Michael type addition reaction between catechol and DABCO (1,4diazabicyclo-[2,2,2]octane) molecules under alkaline conditions for the formation of new quaternary ammonium (QA) groups in an anion-exchange membrane. The anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) were prepared using the pore-filling method by addition of electrolytes (vinyl benzyl trimethylammonium chloride (VBTMA), dopamine methacrylamide (DMA) bearing a catechol group, and ethylene glycol diacrylate as a cross-linker) to a porous substrate. The formation of new QA groups by the reaction of DABCO with catechol components was confirmed by characterization of new peaks in the Fourier transform infrared spectra of the AEMs. The DABCO-bound AEM demonstrated a significant decrease in area resistance (0.4 Omega cm(2)) and increase in permselectivity (94%). Furthermore, the electrochemical properties of the AEMs could be controlled by altering the concentrations of VBTMA and DMA and the formation of new bonds between DMA and DABCO. The calculated theoretical (4.31 W/m(2)) and practical (1.52 W/m(2)) power densities during a reverse electrodialysis (RED) process employing the membrane with the best properties (E2C1 DMA0.5 DABCO) were by 33 and 18% higher than those of a system utilizing a commercial membrane, Neosepta AMX (3.25 and 1.29 W/m(2)). Therefore, the AEM synthesized in this study is a good candidate for use in RED applications.