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
Polymer Science
Ekaterina Yu. Safronova, Daria Yu. Voropaeva, Anna A. Lysova, Oleg V. Korchagin, Vera A. Bogdanovskaya, Andrey B. Yaroslavtsev
Summary: By changing the preparation and pretreatment conditions, the properties of Nafion membranes can be optimized. In this study, a Nafion-NMP membrane with higher conductivity and comparable hydrogen permeability was obtained by casting from a Nafion dispersion in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. The increase in conductivity is attributed to the optimization of the Nafion-NMP microstructure, which improves the connectivity of the pores and channels system. This leads to an increased capacity of the membrane electrode assembly compared to a commercial Nafion (R) 212 membrane.
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
Chemistry, Physical
Preetham Castelino, A. Jayarama, Shashidhara Bhat, Satyanarayan, Peter Fernandes, Shriganesh Prabhu, Siddhartha Duttagupta, Richard Pinto
Summary: The study indicates that optimal UV irradiation of Nafion can significantly enhance proton conductivity and power output of hydrogen fuel cells. By improving the photo-crosslinking of -SO3H groups in Nafion to increase proton conductivity, enhanced proton hopping between -SO3H sites in Nafion is achieved.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
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
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Keenan Smith, Fabrizia Foglia, Adam J. J. Clancy, Dan J. L. Brett, Thomas S. S. Miller
Summary: This study demonstrates a new multifunctional additive, 2D poly(triazine imide) (PTI), for composite proton exchange membranes (PEMs), which significantly improves proton conductivity and current/power densities in industrially relevant PEM fuel cells (PEMFCs). The enhanced performance is attributed to the formation of polymer aggregate-PTI clusters with increased 2D character and improved long-range connectivity, as well as acid-base interactions with pyridinic nitrogen facilitating proton hopping mechanism at all relative humidities. This work offers a new membrane concept with proven benefits for important electrochemical technologies and provides design principles for future optimization of proton transport and water management within PEMs.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yan Wang, Hexiang Gao, Wenjia Wu, Zhuofan Zhou, Zhiwei Yang, Jingtao Wang, Yecheng Zou
Summary: By threading Nafion chains into the pores of MOF nanosheets, adjacent nanosheets are locked, providing enhanced structural stability and minimal water swelling. Acid-base pairs along Nafion chains form efficient conduction pathways in vertical direction, leading to proton conductivities as high as 110 and 46 mS.cm(-1) under 100% and 40% relative humidity, respectively, two orders of magnitude higher than pristine MOF membrane.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Peng Wei, Dong Huang, Yang Sui, Xi Li, Qingkun Liu, Bensheng Zhu, Chuanbo Cong, Pengpeng Bai, Yu Tian, Qiong Zhou, Xiaoyu Meng
Summary: This study focuses on enhancing the proton conductivity and durability of sulfonated poly ether ketone (SPEEK) by utilizing polydopamine coated polyimide nanofiber and the addition of phosphotungstic acid (HPW). The acid-base pair formed by PDA@PI and HPW/SPEEK contributes to improved proton conductivity and durability. The developed pocket-like membrane exhibits promising applications in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) due to its excellent proton conductivity, stability, and endurance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Gang Wang, Zhi Liu, Chang Liu, Wei Chen
Summary: The transport process of proton and water through a porous proton exchange membrane (PEM) under pressure difference is significant to fuel cell performance. Nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate the diffusion mechanisms of hydronium ions and water molecules under pressure differences. The transport diffusion coefficient of water molecules was larger than that of hydronium ions under different pressure drops due to the lower molecular weight and diffusion activation energy of water molecules (20.25 kJ/mol). Hydronium ions formed stronger hydrogen bonds with sulfonic acid groups than water molecules, which resulted in a higher diffusion activation energy for hydronium ions (21.15 kJ/mol). The proton conductivity rose with the increase in pressure difference. Moreover, the transport diffusion coefficient of water molecules and hydronium ions were positively correlated with temperature. This is because the kinetic energy of molecules increased and the pore size of the Nafion membrane enlarged at high temperatures. In addition, the dynamics of the hydrogen bond between hydronium ions and sulfonic acid groups/water molecules were accelerated at elevated temperatures, which further promoted proton transfer.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bapun Barik, Yejin Yun, Aniket Kumar, Hohan Bae, Yeon Namgung, Jun-Young Park, Sun-Ju Song
Summary: Acidic group functionalized graphene oxide (GO) is used to improve the quality of state-of-the-art Nafion electrolytes for next-generation fuel cell application. Single-step-phosphorylated graphene oxide (sPGO) modified Nafion (sPGO/NF) achieves high proton conductivity, chemical durability, and power density under actual fuel cell conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Takeru Wakiya, Manabu Tanaka, Hiroyoshi Kawakami
Summary: Novel nanofiber framework (NfF)-based composite membranes composed of phytic acid (Phy)-doped polybenzimidazole nanofibers (PBINf) and Nafion matrix electrolyte were fabricated through the compression process, showing higher proton conductivity and lower activation energy at low relative humidity.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Osung Kwon, Kwangjin Oh, JaeHyoung Park, Sam Park, Tae Gwan Lee, Byungrak Son
Summary: This study investigated the proton conductivity enhancement mechanism of Nafion-silica sulfuric acid (SSA) composite membranes using atomic force microscopy. It was found that among different weight percentages of SSA, 1 wt% SSA exhibited the highest proton conductivity and thermal properties, attributed to the separation of the hydrophilic ionic channel network and hydrophobic backbone in the microstructural morphology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Hang Wang, Jinghan Zhang, Xin Ning, Mingwei Tian, Yunze Long, Seeram Ramakrishna
Summary: The article discusses the importance of proton exchange membrane (PEM) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and the current research status of preparing nanofiber composite proton exchange membranes (NCPEMs) using nanocomposite technology. By introducing nanofibers, long-range proton transport channels can be formed and the skeleton can be reinforced to improve the performance of PEMFCs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mylene Robert, Assma El Kaddouri, Jean-Christophe Perrin, Jesus Raya, Olivier Lottin
Summary: This study investigated the impact of chemical degradation on membrane structure and properties of reinforced Nafion(TM) XL membrane compared to unreinforced Nafion(TM) NR211 membrane using Fenton's reagents. Results showed that both XL and NR211 membranes undergo chemical decomposition at different rates, with the XL membrane demonstrating greater stability. However, the effects on water sorption and transport properties were found to be negligible for both membranes.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Tae-Woo Kim, Eun-Han Lee, Segi Byun, Doo-Won Seo, Hyo-Jung Hwang, Hyung-Chul Yoon, Hansung Kim, Shin-Kun Ryi
Summary: In this study, an alumina sol assisted pretreatment method was used to prepare a highly selective Pd composite membrane for ammonia decomposition. The membrane reactor achieved high ammonia conversion and high-purity hydrogen production, with the advantage of selectively removing hydrogen.
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)