Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mamta Kumari, John C. Douglin, Dario R. Dekel
Summary: A series of mechanically robust and highly conducting crosslinked anion-exchange membranes were synthesized using quaternary phosphonium-functionalized poly(ether ether ketone) (QPPEEK) as the base polymer and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as the crosslinker. Among different compositions, the QPPEEK-PEG 20 membrane showed the best properties with high hydroxide conductivity, good mechanical strength, and flexibility. This crosslinked membrane was chemically stable in alkaline environment and performed well in anion-exchange membrane fuel cell applications, indicating the potential of PEEK-based membranes for such applications.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaocan Zhang, Huixiao Ma, Tong Pei, Ruochen Zhang, Yiran Liu
Summary: In this study, a novel sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) composite membrane (SPEEK/HPW@MIL) was proposed, in which HPW was immobilized by blending amino-modified MIL-101(Cr), effectively solving the leakage issue and improving proton conductivity.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Derya Unlu
Summary: MIL-101(Cr) and MIL-101(Cr)@GO were added to PVA membranes to enhance their performance in pervaporative desalination. The effects of MIL-101(Cr) and MIL-101(Cr)@GO content, feed NaCl concentration, and operation temperature on flux and salt rejection were investigated. The hybrid membranes showed improved purification performance, with MIL-101(Cr)@GO doping achieving a salt rejection of 99.99% and a flux of 9.7 kg/m(2) h. They also maintained their separation performance over 10 cycles.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Lingxin Meng, Zhenguo Zhang, Mengchi Ju, Jingmei Xu, Zhe Wang
Summary: Incorporating Im@MIL-101-NH2 into copolymers improves the chemical stability, mechanical properties, and dimensional stability of compound membranes, and constructs new proton transport paths. These membranes have potential application value in fuel cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Saeed Khoshhal Salestan, Kasra Pirzadeh, Ahmad Rahimpour, Reza Abedini
Summary: In this study, tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) was successfully grafted onto MIL-101 (Cr) metal organic framework (MOF) using a post-synthesis modification method. The thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane incorporating amine grafted MIL-101(Cr) showed significantly improved CO2 permeability and selectivity compared to the neat Pebax membrane. The results demonstrate the great potential of TFN membranes in CO2 separation at low pressure.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hui Wang, Xinming Du, Hongyu Zhang, Hongcheng Shen, Qian Liu, Zhe Wang
Summary: By adjusting the content of methylhydroquinone, the ion conductivity of AEM materials can be modified. PEEK-DABDA-80 membrane shows excellent mechanical properties and anti-swelling ability at 80 degrees C. Additionally, AEM materials exhibit good thermal stability and hold potential applications as alkaline AEMs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Patrick Pires Conti, Paul Iacomi, Meilanie Nicolas, Guillaume Maurin, Sabine Devautour-Vinot
Summary: MIL-101(Cr) films were used as humidity sensors on quartz crystal microbalance and interdigitated electrode transductors. These devices exhibit high sensitivity, fast response/recovery times, good repeatability, long-term stability, favorable selectivity against toluene, and dual mode behavior in the optimal domain of humidity for indoor air.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhejing Zhang, Na Yu, Haoran Sun, Ruihong Liu, Yixin Xu, Jingshuai Yang
Summary: We designed and prepared a series of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) based on poly(ether ketone cardo) (PEKC) to achieve high chemical stability and ionic conductivity. Among them, the PEKC-AP-Pip membrane shows the highest OH- conductivity, excellent mechanical strength, and good alkaline stability, making it a promising candidate for alkaline energy devices.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Seong Jin An, Ji Eun Kim, Somi Yu, Ki Jung Kim, Minjoong Kim, Jong Hak Kim, Jae Hun Lee, Won Seok Chi
Summary: In this study, a uniformly blended membrane was fabricated by incorporating chloromethylated triptycene and brominated poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (BPPO). The dual-quaternized BPPO/triptycene-Cl blended membrane showed enhanced hydroxide ion conductivity and improved water electrolyzer cell performance compared to a commercial membrane. The dimensional stability of the blended membrane was effectively controlled, despite high water uptake, due to the increased free volume provided by the triptycene additive.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ao Nan Lai, Pei Zhi Zheng, Shu Chun Li, Yi Fei Zhu, Peng Cheng Hu, Shu Feng Zhou
Summary: This study presents a new approach for constructing higher-performance anion exchange membranes (AEMs) by combining block-type and comb-shaped architectures. The synthesized quaternization fluorene-containing block poly (arylene ether nitrile ketone)s exhibit efficient ion-transport channels and high hydroxide conductivities. The AEMs also demonstrate excellent anti-swelling property, mechanical properties, thermal and oxidative stability, and alkaline stability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lijun Sun, Shuguo Qu, Xueyan Lv, Luyang Ding, Jihai Duan, Weiwen Wang
Summary: In this study, a Co-MOF-74/[IM2][H2PO4]/SPEEK ternary composite membrane was prepared by encapsulating ionic liquid (IL) in metal-organic framework (MOF), which improved the proton conductivity and thermal stability of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) membrane.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vartika Sharma, Prashant Upadhyay, Nehal H. Rathod, Jeet Sharma, Sarthak Mishra, Savan K. Raj, Vimal Kishore, Vaibhav Kulshrestha
Summary: Sol-gel modified sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) organosilane-based composite proton exchange membranes were investigated for their suitability in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The addition of aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (APTES) in different concentrations improved the physico and electrochemical performances of the composite membranes by inducing H-bonding interactions between free -NH2 and -SO3H groups. The Si-SPEEK membrane showed potential as an alternate for DMFCs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Minmin Zou, Ming Dong, Tian Zhao
Summary: This review provides an overview of the latest synthesis methods of MIL-101(Cr) and its research progress in adsorption and catalysis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Paul Iacomi, Ezgi Gulcay, Patrick Pires Conti, Subharanjan Biswas, Nathalie Steunou, Guillaume Maurin, Guillaume Rioland, Sabine Devautour-Vinot
Summary: Volatile methylsiloxanes (VMSs) are common silicone degradation byproducts that cause serious concern. The mesoporous MIL-101(Cr) MOF is highlighted as a promising mass sensing layer for detecting VMS, and it shows excellent reversibility, repeatability, and fast response/recovery times.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yukun Lu, Changle Yue, Boxu Liu, Min Zhang, Yaping Li, Wenfeng Yang, Yan Lin, Yuan Pan, Daofeng Sun, Yunqi Liu
Summary: This study reported for the first time the preparation of a novel host-guest composite by anchoring Weakley-type polyoxometalate Na-7 [H2LaW10O36] in mesoporous metal-organic framework MIL-101(Cr) using a facile tandem post-synthetic modification strategy. The as-synthesized composite demonstrated obvious host-guest synergistic effect, excellent catalytic performance as a heterogeneous single-site catalyst for the ODS process, outstanding recyclability, and stability.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zongyao Zhou, Digambar B. Shinde, Dong Guo, Li Cao, Reham Al Nuaimi, Yuting Zhang, Linga Reddy Enakonda, Zhiping Lai
Summary: A flexible ionic CMP membrane with precisely tailored pore architecture and chemistry is reported in this study, showing significantly improved ion selectivity compared to commercial membranes.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dongwei Lu, Zongyao Zhou, Zhihong Wang, Duc Tarn Ho, Guan Sheng, Long Chen, Yumeng Zhao, Xiang Li, Li Cao, Udo Schwingenschlogl, Jun Ma, Zhiping Lai
Summary: Nanoporous graphene membranes enable high water flux and salt rejection in membrane distillation, offering potential for sustainable seawater desalination.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Li Cao, Xiaowei Liu, Digambar B. Shinde, Cailing Chen, I-Chun Chen, Zhen Li, Zongyao Zhou, Zhongyu Yang, Yu Han, Zhiping Lai
Summary: Nanofluidic devices based on oriented two-dimensional covalent organic framework membranes show significantly higher ion flux and actively modulable ion transport capabilities, with a high pH-gating on/off ratio of approximately 100. The customisable structure and rich chemistry of COF materials provide a promising platform for manufacturing nanofluidic devices with modifiable ion/molecular transport features.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Li Cao, I-Chun Chen, Caifing Chen, Digambar B. Shinde, Xiaowei Liu, Zhen Li, Zongyao Zhou, Yuting Zhang, Yu Han, Zhiping Lai
Summary: This study demonstrates high-performance osmotic energy conversion membranes based on oriented two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (COFs). These membranes enable efficient and selective ion transport through controlled channel structures and charge properties. The achieved power density in osmotic energy conversion surpasses that of existing nanofluidic membranes, indicating the great potential of oriented COF membranes in advanced membrane technology and energy conversion.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zongyao Zhou, I-Chun Chen, Lubna M. Rehman, Ammar M. Aboalsaud, Digambar B. Shinde, Li Cao, Yuting Zhang, Zhiping Lai
Summary: Inspired by natural light-gated ion channels, an artificial light-gated ion channel membrane was developed using conjugated microporous polymers. Through precise control of pore size and thickness on a molecular level, the membrane exhibited uniform pore size and highly sensitive light-switchable response for reversible ion transport.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhen Li, Dong Guo, Fan Li, Guangjin Hou, Xiaowei Liu, Chunyang Li, Li Cao, Ruicong Wei, Zongyao Zhou, Zhiping Lai
Summary: This paper presents a method of providing fast lithium-ion pathways by designing a mimic architecture of a nerve network inside a polymer electrolyte. Experimental and simulation studies show that the mimic nerve network can efficiently form a bi-continuous structure at a very low percolation threshold, leading to a significant increase in lithium-ion conductivity and mechanical strength. Good rate and cycling performance are achieved when this method is applied in lithium metal batteries at both room and elevated temperatures.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Li Cao, I-Chun Chen, Xiaowei Liu, Zhen Li, Zongyao Zhou, Zhiping Lai
Summary: This study demonstrates covalent organic framework (COF) membranes with well-defined ion channels and an ionic diode effect, serving as high-performance osmotic power generators. The membranes achieve fast unidirectional ion diffusion and anion selectivity through molecular-level designed ion channels. Experimental results show that the COF membranes achieve high output power densities under NaCl and NaI gradients, outperforming existing membranes.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xianyun Zhang, Zhen Li, Jiang Liu, Fuzong Xu, Leiliang Zheng, Stefaan De Wolf, Zhiping Lai, Xu Lu
Summary: This study proposes a scalable spiral-microstructured electrochemical reactor (SMER) that can achieve ultrafast and economical lithium extraction under harsh brine conditions by significantly accelerating mass transfer. The reactor has a lithium extraction rate over 5.6 times higher than state-of-the-art devices and can be commercially produced using solar cells. This work lays the foundation for sustainable lithium extraction from remote low-grade salt lake brine and can be easily applied to more minable lithium reserves/resources.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chongbin Wang, Hongchao Wang, Yongsheng Li, Yuanyuan Feng, Kun Zhang, Sijie Fan, Li Cao
Summary: Constructing a composite nanofiltration membrane with good chlorine resistance and antifouling properties was achieved using interfacial polymerization and host-guest interaction. The optimized membrane showed minimal changes in water flux and rejection under chlorine environment, and displayed lower water flux loss in antifouling test compared to the original membrane. The contaminants on the membrane surface could be easily removed by water washing under UV light irradiation, and the antifouling membrane could be regenerated by immersing it in fresh azobenzene labeled zwitterions solution.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhen Li, Ammar M. Aboalsaud, Xiaowei Liu, Roshni L. Thankamony, I-Chun Chen, Yangxing Li, Zhiping Lai
Summary: This study presents a continuous thermal-extrusion process for the large-scale fabrication of solvent-free composite solid-state electrolytes (CSEs). The CSE membrane prepared through this method exhibited high tensile strength, satisfactory lithium transference number, and excellent electrochemical stability. Solvent-free CSE lithium metal batteries showed high discharge capacity and good cycling stability.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhaofeng Fang, Yuhui Lin, Zhijun Dong, Wenxin Xu, Yiyin Qi, Ruiyuan Zeng, Jinqiu Yuan, Zifan Song, Feng Zhu, Haixiong Liu, Li Cao, Jiashu Yuan, Biao Huang, Xinda You
Summary: Integration of natural woods and functional nanomaterials is emerging as sustainable nanotechnology. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), crystalline nanomaterials with pre-designable functional groups and inherent compatibility with wood, hold promise in wood nanotechnology but fabrication remains challenging. This study reports the interfacial synthesis of ionic COF composites in wood, which shows applicability in ionotronic devices and offers a scalable and versatile platform for developing COF-based wood nanomaterials.
CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Optics
Zhongxiao Li, Zhen Li, Hao Huang, Yunduo Yao, Bilawal Khan, Ye Zhu, Kuo-Wei Huang, Zhiping Lai, Jr-Hau He
Summary: The study proposes an unassisted photoelectrochemical lithium extraction system that uses sunlight to extract lithium from seawater. The system achieved a significant increase in lithium concentration and demonstrated excellent light-harvesting and catalytic capabilities. It offers a promising solution to future lithium supply limitations.