Review
Polymer Science
Gowthami Palanisamy, Tae Hwan Oh, Sadhasivam Thangarasu
Summary: A direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is an excellent energy device that converts methanol to energy with high efficiency. Commercial membranes for DMFCs are expensive and have high methanol permeability, but novel developments using cost-effective cellulose-based materials have improved performance. In this review, the advances and utilization of different cellulose materials as proton-exchange membranes (PEMs) for DMFCs are discussed, including cellulose derivatives and composites with inorganic additives.
Article
Electrochemistry
Amirsalar Bagherzadeh, Mahdi Tohidian, Yeganeh Mollamohammadi Sadafi, Amirsaeed Shamsabadi, Hesam Makki
Summary: Polyelectrolyte membranes (PEMs) containing chitosan and Nafion were prepared for DMFC application. The addition of Nafion increased the Tg and decreased the crystallinity of the chitosan matrix due to the interaction between -SO3H groups in Nafion and -NH2 groups in chitosan. The PEMs with higher Nafion loading weight exhibited higher proton conductivity and methanol permeability, and the membrane with 25 wt% Nafion showed comparable selectivity parameter to neat Nafion. A maximum power density of 39 mW cm(-2) was achieved for this membrane in DMFC performance test.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Rudzani Sigwadi, Touhami Mokrani, Phumlani Fortune Msomi
Summary: Electrospun PAN nanofibers decorated with ZrO2 and blended with graphene oxide nanofibers were used to improve the performance and conductivity of Nafion membrane in fuel cells. The modified composite membrane demonstrated higher proton conductivity and overall membrane properties, as well as superior fuel cell efficiency compared to commercial Nafion and existing literature. With lower methanol permeability and a proton conductivity of 5.46 x 10(-8) cm(2)/s and 0.46 mS/cm respectively, the Nafion-PAN/ZrO2-GO nanofiber membrane achieved a fuel cell performance of 75.9 mWcm(-2) at a current density of 250 mAcm(-2). The composite membrane shows potential for application in fuel cells.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fatima C. Teixeira, Ana de Sa, Antonio P. S. Teixeira, V. M. Ortiz-Martinez, A. Ortiz, I Ortiz, C. M. Rangel
Summary: The study focused on the development of new Nafion membranes by incorporating aryl- or azaheteroaromatic bisphosphonate compounds as dopants, resulting in enhanced proton conductivity properties compared to commercial Nafion membranes. These doped membranes showed improved performance in fuel cells at different temperatures, with a maximum power output of around 383 mW cm(-2) at 70 degrees C. The membranes also demonstrated potential advantages in restricting gas crossover, as indicated by higher open circuit potentials compared to Nafion membranes under the same conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Fatima C. Teixeira, Antonio P. S. Teixeira, C. M. Rangel
Summary: In this study, new doped Nafion membranes were prepared by casting with AzBPs as dopants. The proton conduction properties of the modified membranes were significantly improved compared to the reference Nafion membrane. The membrane with AzBP1 as dopant showed the best proton conductivity.
Article
Polymer Science
Tushar Kanti Maiti, Jitendra Singh, Subrata Kumar Maiti, Jagannath Majhi, Arihant Ahuja, Manjinder Singh, Anasuya Bandyopadhyay, Gaurav Manik, Sujay Chattopadhyay
Summary: In this study, the introduction of sulfonic acid functionalized graphene oxide (SGO) into Perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes improved the glass transition temperature (Tg), mechanical properties, proton conductivity, and single-cell performance. The loading of SGO increased the Tg and modulus of PFSA composite membranes, leading to enhanced proton conductivity and fuel cell performance.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Y. Prykhodko, K. Fatyeyeva, L. Hespel, S. Marais
Summary: Over 50% of energy is currently produced by burning non-renewable fossil fuels, leading to the release of greenhouse gases and environmental pollution. As a result, research on renewable energy sources, storage, and energy transformation devices has become increasingly important in recent years. Fuel cells, particularly proton exchange membrane fuel cells, are considered a promising energy device with ongoing developments in membrane technology.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Weidong Cui, Shengyang Zhou, Jie Bai, Huidong Qian, Jifu Zheng, Shenghai Li, Suobo Zhang
Summary: The development of a simple and efficient methanol-resistant membrane strategy is crucial for enhancing fuel cell performance. By blending SCTF nanosheets with SPP-co-PAEKs resin, a composite proton exchange membrane with improved proton conductivity, methanol resistance, and fuel cell performance was successfully prepared. This enhancement is attributed to the good interfacial compatibility between the SCTF nanosheets and the sulfonated micro-block copolymer matrix.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Livhuwani Modau, Rudzani Sigwadi, Touhami Mokrani, Fulufhelo Nemavhola
Summary: The purpose of this study was to identify the steps involved in fabricating silica/chitosan composite membranes and their suitability for fuel cell applications. The composite membranes were successfully modified with silica, showing exceptional results in terms of proton conductivity and methanol permeability.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
F. Altaf, S. Ahmed, D. Dastan, R. Batool, Z. U. Rehman, Z. Shi, M. U. Hameed, P. Bocchetta, K. Jacob
Summary: Methanol permeation is the main issue of Nafion membranes in direct methanol fuel cells. In this study, novel nanocomposite polymer membranes are prepared by integrating surface-modified sepiolite in PVDF-g-PS copolymer. The analysis shows that the prepared membranes exhibit high proton conductivity and low methanol permeability.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Cataldo Simari, Isabella Nicotera, Antonino Salvatore Arico, Vincenzo Baglio, Francesco Lufrano
Summary: This study investigates the methanol transport properties of composite membranes to reduce methanol crossover in DMFCs, improving the performance and making it a viable option for high-energy DMFCs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ji Won Heo, Liangliang An, Min Soo Kim, Duck Hyun Youn, Yong Sik Kim
Summary: A novel zwitterion-substituted lignin (ZL) was synthesized and used to fabricate proton exchange membranes. The incorporation of ZL into Nafion membranes improved their ion exchange capacity, thermal stability, and hydrophilicity. The zwitterionic moieties of ZL enhanced proton transport ability, and ZL also improved the chemical durability and oxidation stability of Nafion membranes, showing potential for fuel cell applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Dongxia Liang, Chenglong Wu, Lu Liu, Hansheng Li, Qin Wu, Daxin Shi, Yaoyuan Zhang, Kangcheng Chen
Summary: Coupling-type sulfonated poly(phenylquinoxaline) (c-SPPQ) with side chain and main chain sulfonic acid groups was synthesized through post-sulfonation. Proton exchange membranes made from c-SPPQ exhibited good performance, including low methanol permeability, high methanol tolerance, and good mechanical properties due to acid-base interaction of sulfonic acid and phenylquinoxaline groups. The superior conductivity and low methanol permeability of c-SPPQ make it a promising material for direct methanol fuel cells.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lei Liu, Chao Wang, Zhenfeng He, Duo Pan, Binbin Dong, Sravanthi Vupputuri, Zhanhu Guo
Summary: Nafion/APNB membranes were prepared by introducing APNB architecture, increasing hydrophobic domains, and forming ordered water channels to improve ion conductivity; Nafion/APNB-2.5% membrane has the highest swelling ratio, while Nafion/APNB-5% membrane has the highest power density.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuanjing Zhang, Yingxu Song, Dandan Chen, Qifeng Jin, Jinyao Chen, Ya Cao
Summary: In this paper, a unique hybrid proton exchange membrane (PEM) made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and quaternized polyethyleneimine (QPEI) for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) is presented. The membrane utilizes QPEI as an anchoring agent to enhance compatibility at the organic-inorganic interface and reduce the leakage of phosphotungstic acid (PWA), the proton conductor. The PEM exhibits excellent proton conductivity and methanol permeability properties, making it a promising alternative to Nafion (R) for DMFC applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xinghai An, Pravin G. Ingole, Won-Kil Choi, Hyung-Keun Lee, Seong Uk Hong, Jae-Deok Jeon
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2018)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jihoon Kim, Yongkyu Lee, Jae-Deok Jeon, Seung-Yeop Kwak
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2018)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Muhammad Irshad Baig, Pravin G. Ingole, Jae-deok Jeon, Seong Uk Hong, Won Kil Choi, Boyun Jang, Hyung Keun Lee
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muhammad Irshad Baig, Pravin G. Ingole, Jae-deok Jeon, Seong Uk Hong, Won Kul Choi, Hyung Keun Lee
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2019)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wonho Jung, Sunghyun Park, Kwang Soon Lee, Jae-Deok Jeon, Hyung Keun Lee, Jeong-Hoon Kim, Jong Suk Lee
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ali M. Abou-Elanwar, Yogita M. Shirke, Cheol Hun Yoo, Soon Jin Kwon, Won-Kil Choi, Jong Suk Lee, Seong Uk Hong, Hyung Keun Lee, Jae-Deok Jeon (Jae-Deok)
Summary: By incorporating iron oxide nanoparticles into a polyamide matrix to form thin film nanocomposite membranes, significant improvements in water vapor permeance and selectivity were achieved.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ook Choi, Yeonho Kim, Jae-Deok Jeon, Tae-Hyun Kim
Summary: In this study, PD-ETS-TFN hollow fiber membranes were developed for gas separation, demonstrating high permeance and selectivity due to the molecular sieving effect of ETS-4.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Heseong An, Kie Yong Cho, Seoin Back, Xuan Huy Do, Jae-Deok Jeon, Hyung Keun Lee, Kyung-Youl Baek, Jong Suk Lee
Summary: By grafting poly(polyethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEG) side chains onto commercially attractive polysulfone (PSF), the interfacial interaction between polymer and zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles in mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) was improved, enhancing the separation performance for C3H6 gas. This enhancement was attributed to a combination of flexible nature of PEG side chains and various chemical interactions, leading to increased C3H6 permeability and C3H6/C3H8 permselectivity in PSFPEG/ZIF-8 MMMs.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ali M. Abou-Elanwar, Yogita M. Shirke, Seong-Jun Cho, Soon Jin Kwon, Won-Kil Choi, Seong Uk Hong, Hyung Keun Lee, Jae-Deok Jeon
Summary: In this study, ultrathin double network (DN)-coated hollow fiber membranes were developed to enhance water vapor permeation of polymeric membranes. Different DN systems were investigated, and membranes with higher concentration of quaternized hyperbranched polyethyleneimine (QHPEI) showed the best performance. Relative humidity had a positive impact on membrane performance, while temperature and pressure had negative effects.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ho Jun Lee, Yogita M. Shirke, Jongseung Kim, Hyun Jung Yu, Cheol Hun Yoo, Seoin Back, Jae-Deok Jeon, Jong Suk Lee
Summary: In this study, highly selective H2O derivatives of UiO-66-NH2 metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were developed by enhancing hydrophilic diffusion channels. The carboxylation of UiO-66-NH2 exhibited better H2O/N2 separation performance than sulfonation. Additionally, defect engineering and hydrophilic modifications were used to improve the performance of thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) hollow fiber membranes for water transport.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Seong-Jun Cho, Yogita M. Shirke, Soon Jin Kwon, Seong Uk Hong, Jong Hak Kim, Jae-Deok Jeon
Summary: We propose a new method that utilizes HDPE ultrafiltration hollow fibers as dehumidification membranes. These membranes have a wide range of applications and can also recover water. To address the issue of large pores in low-cost substrates like HDPE, we filled the pores with hydrogels made from viscous solutions. The resulting pore-filled membranes showed good water vapor separation capabilities.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yogita M. Shirke, Ali M. Abou-Elanwar, Soon Jin Kwon, Won-Kil Choi, Seong Uk Hong, Hyung Keun Lee, Jae-Deok Jeon
Summary: In this study, a sulfated beta-cyclodextrin/glutaraldehyde-coated TFN membrane was developed to enhance water vapor dehumidification, utilizing highly magnetically recoverable magnetite-carbon dot hybrid nanoparticles. The addition of hydrophilic sulfated beta-cyclodextrin facilitated water vapor transport, while the incorporation of Fe3O4-CD nanoparticles increased the water vapor permeation due to enhanced sorption sites and surface area.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ali M. Abou-Elanwar, Yogita M. Shirke, Soon Jin Kwon, Won-Kil Choi, Seong Uk Hong, Hyung Keun Lee, Jae-Deok Jeon
Summary: The study investigated the effects of different nanoparticle sizes on the dehumidification performance of thin-film nanocomposite membranes. It was found that specific nanoparticle concentrations led to performance peak points, with higher concentrations shifting towards smaller magnetite sizes. The M5(0.3) membrane containing 5 nm magnetite particles exhibited the highest water vapor permeance and selectivity, with results aligning with the membrane's hydrophilicity.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yogita M. Shirke, Ali M. Abou-Elanwar, Soon Jin Kwon, Won-Kil Choi, Seong Uk Hong, Hyung Keun Lee, Jae-Deok Jeon
Summary: The synthesis of polymeric calcium-alginate (CA) particles with an egg box structure enhances the performance of thin film composite (TFC) membranes for water vapor separation. These particles have various hydrophilic groups, absorb water vapor rapidly, are low-cost, readily available, and biocompatible. Adding 0.1 wt% CA particles to a TFC membrane can significantly improve water vapor permeance and selectivity.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yogita M. Shirke, Ali M. Abou-Elanwar, Won-Kil Choi, Hyojin Lee, Seong Uk Hong, Hyung Keun Lee, Jae-Deok Jeon
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiawei Hou, Shixuan Guo, Nigel Graham, Wenzheng Yu, Kening Sun, Ting Liu
Summary: A novel 2D composite membrane based on r-HGO and MXene materials was developed, demonstrating exceptional performance for water treatment in terms of permeability, pollutant rejection, and physical stability. The optimization of preparation conditions and material proportions can result in high water flux and efficient removal of pollutants.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Retraction
Engineering, Chemical
Chang Liu, Jinghong Liu, Liang Zhu, Shanfu Tang, Huixin Xiong
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Rui Gao, Caihong Liu, Andreia F. Faria, Qiang He, Chun Yang, Jun Ma
Summary: A novel copolymer architecture has been developed to address biofouling concerns in thin-film composite (TFC) membranes by integrating anti-fouling, bactericidal, and fouling-release functions. The multifunctional membrane demonstrates promising anti-adhesive properties, self-cleaning ability, and high flux recovery rate.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alexander T. Bridge, Noah P. Wamble, Matthew S. Santoso, Joan F. Brennecke, Benny D. Freeman
Summary: This study demonstrates the reproducible preparation of high-flux defect-free asymmetric gas separation membranes using Cyrene(TM) as a majority dope formulation component. By adjusting the volume ratios of Cyrene(TM) and THF, as well as the concentrations of Matrimid(R) and the dry step time, optimal membrane performance is achieved.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alessandra Imbrogno, Han Ya Lin, Babak Minofar, Andrea Iris Schaefer
Summary: In this study, a composite nanofiber membrane containing cross-linked beta-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin was prepared and evaluated for the removal of steroid hormones. The results showed that the membrane had high adsorption capacity and the ability to form a specific inclusion complex interaction with the hormones, indicating its potential application in hormone removal.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Bora Shin, Jaewon Shin, Yanuar Chandra Wirasembada, Ki Young Park, Jinwoo Cho
Summary: This study develops a mathematical model to estimate the initial flux of volatile fatty acids in the direct contact membrane distillation process. It identifies the parameters affecting the flux and their relationship with pH.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi-Jui Yeh, Jr Rong Liou, Wei Lin, Kuo-Lun Tung, Wei-Hung Chiang
Summary: This study demonstrates an effective plasma engineering method to create nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dot (NGQD)-inorganic nanocomposites for tunable molecular separation. The composite materials show high separation efficiency and controllable nanopore structures, making them potentially valuable for various applications.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Horacio Lopez-Marques, Kristofer L. Gleason, Manuel Aguilar-Vega, Rita Sulub-Sulub, J. Ehren Eichler, Hyeonji Oh, C. Buddie Mullins, Benny D. Freeman, Manish Kumar
Summary: In this study, water transport properties in Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) membranes were investigated. It was found that membranes synthesized at different pyrolysis temperatures exhibited varying water permeabilities. Compared to other polymeric materials, CMS membranes showed high water permeability, indicating potential for dehydration applications.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Dmitry A. Alentiev, Roman Yu. Nikiforov, Marina A. Rudakova, Danil P. Zarezin, Maxim A. Topchiy, Andrey F. Asachenko, Nikolay A. Belov, Maxim Bermeshev
Summary: A series of new norbornene-type monomers containing linear and branched substituents were synthesized, and robust thin membranes were prepared by vinyl-addition polymerization. Gas separation performance for the synthesized polymers was evaluated, and the structure of substituent side chains was found to significantly affect gas permeability and CO2 facilitated transport.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lei Yan, Qi Zhang, Ze Zhang, Gui-Jie Li, Yi Jin, Xin-Lin Zhang, Yan-Yun Sun
Summary: In this study, a continuous, stable and fast ion transport channel was established through in-situ guided cross-linking of zinc alginate hydrogels on a porous membrane, overcoming the negative pore effect and effectively inhibiting the dendrite growth of zinc anodes and interfacial side reactions.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yuqing Zhang, Ailing Zhang, Huiyang He, Yuting Fan, Yongjiang Li, Song Wang, Sanxi Li
Summary: The Langmuir-Blodgett self-assembly process is used to create an ordered SPEEK membrane, which enhances the proton conductivity by three times compared to conventional solution casting method.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hasan Ismaeel, David Gibson, Eleonora Ricci, Maria Grazia De Angelis
Summary: In this study, a machine learning-based group contribution method (ML-GC) was developed to predict pure polymer parameters and successfully applied to predict gas solubility and gas solubility isotherms in glassy polymeric membranes. The model showed satisfactory performance on a small dataset, but has the potential to provide more accurate predictions for a wider range of polymers as more data becomes available.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi Ji, Yu Sun, Huilin Li, Qiang Fu, Yan Zhang
Summary: Previous studies have shown that vibration- or rotation-based techniques can effectively mitigate fouling during membrane filtration. However, it is difficult to incorporate these techniques with spiral wound modules (SWMs) widely used in water and wastewater treatment. This study developed a prototype membrane system to accommodate angular vibrations with a modified SWM, and experimental results showed that applying angular vibrations can effectively control algal fouling in an SWM with lower energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lakshmeesha Upadhayaya, Abaynesh Yihdego Gebreyohannes, Muhammad Wakil Shahzad, Usman T. Syed, Sandra L. Aristizabal, Radoslaw Gorecki, Suzana P. Nunes
Summary: Increasing temperatures worldwide pose a significant health risk, exacerbated by high humidity. Conventional air conditioners contribute heavily to carbon dioxide emissions, with dehumidification being a major factor. Membrane-based dehumidification system offers energy efficiency and non-toxic water vapor removal. This study demonstrates a membrane dehumidification system with polymeric hollow fibers coated with a green polyphenol coating, showing remarkable water vapor transport rate and selectivity. Long-term testing reveals minimal decline in vapor transport and a 4-5 times higher coefficient of performance (COP) compared to conventional dehumidifiers, making it a highly competitive, energy-saving device with reduced emissions and a smaller footprint.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhengzhong Zhou, Xue Zhu, Yi Yuan, Shaoqiang Wang, Xiaoshan Meng, Taoli Huhe, Qian Wang
Summary: In this study, lignin, a biomass material, was chemically modified and utilized in the interfacial polymerization process to improve the performance of nanofiltration membranes. The modified membranes showed enhanced hydrophilicity and anti-fouling properties, and the optimization of membrane pore size increased permeability. The study also demonstrated the potential application of the membranes in biogas slurry valorization.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)