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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dongxia Liang, Qin Wu, Daxin Shi, Yaoyuan Zhang, Hansheng Li, Kangcheng Chen
Summary: In this study, side-chain type sulfonated poly(phenylquinoxaline) proton exchange membranes with different ionic exchange capacity were synthesized and demonstrated to have higher proton conductivity and stability.
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)
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
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
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
Polymer Science
Geng Cheng, Zhen Li, Shan Ren, Dongmei Han, Min Xiao, Shuanjin Wang, Yuezhong Meng
Summary: The study focused on a novel SPFEK composite membrane with excellent mechanical properties and antioxidant stability in a hydrated state, suitable for direct methanol fuel cells. The performance of the composite membrane was thoroughly evaluated, demonstrating its potential applications in fuel cell technology.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jinyang Li, Wenjie Wang, Zhongqing Jiang, Binglu Deng, Zhong-jie Jiang
Summary: This work reports on the co-filling of sulfonated zeolitic imidazolate framework-derived porous carbon and sulfonated silica to improve the performance of the sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) membrane. The co-filled structure enhances proton conductivity, lowers methanol permeability, improves mechanical and oxidation stabilities, and shows potential as a proton exchange membrane for direct methanol fuel cells.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Honghao Huang, Yefei Ma, Zhongqing Jiang, Zhong-Jie Jiang
Summary: The sulfonated spindle-like carbon derived from metal-organic framework has been used as a filler for the SPEEK membrane, resulting in improved properties as a proton exchange membrane for fuel cells. The MOF-C-SO3H@SPEEK membrane exhibits higher proton conductivity and lower methanol permeability compared to Nafion 115, leading to a maximum power density of 83.91 mW cm(-2) in direct methanol fuel cells.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Maria Jose Martinez-Morlanes, Carmen De La Torre-Gamarra, Maria Teresa Perez-Prior, Sara Lara-Benito, Carmen del Rio, Alejandro Varez, Belen Levenfeld
Summary: New proton conducting membranes based on sulfonated polysulfone (sPSU) reinforced with TiO2(B) nanowires were successfully synthesized and characterized in this study. The addition of TiO2(B) nanowires led to improved thermal properties, water uptake, and proton conductivity, making it a promising candidate for proton exchange electrolyte in fuel cells, especially those operating at high temperatures.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Minghan Xu, Hao Xue, Qingfu Wang, Lichao Jia
Summary: Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are potential clean energy sources attracting attention, with a focus on developing high-performance, low-cost PEMs to replace benchmark Nafion membranes. Sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone)s (SPAEKs) and sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone)s (SPAESs) are promising candidates due to their performance and cost advantages. Efforts are classified and introduced in developing SPAEK and SPAES membranes for promising research directions in the field.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
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
Chemistry, Physical
Xin Liu, Shaoxiong Zhai, Xiyuan Zhang, Pengzhi Mao, Shaojian He, Wenxu Dai, Jun Lin
Summary: A new type of sulfonated graphene oxide product, SDGO, is fabricated by sulfonation on polydopamine (PDA) deposited graphene oxide, resulting in improved uniformity/sufficient sulfonation compared to PDA-free SGO. The sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) composite membranes filled with SDGO exhibit better matrix-filler compatibility, larger hydrophilic domains, and improved proton conductivity, methanol barrier, and mechanical properties. SPEEK-SDGO based DMFCs outperform Nafion 212 based DMFCs in terms of power density and exhibit superior durability during DMFC operations.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Juan Wu, Shijun Nie, Hai Liu, Chunli Gong, Quanyuan Zhang, Zushun Xu, Guangfu Liao
Summary: In this study, low-cost and high-performance proton exchange membranes (PEMs) modified with two nucleobases were successfully synthesized. The membranes showed enhanced thermal stability, mechanical strength and proton conductivity due to acid-base interaction and ionic crosslinking. They also exhibited suppressed methanol crossover, leading to outstanding performance in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Gun Young Ryu, Seong Jin An, Somi Yu, Ki Jung Kim, Hyunmo Jae, Dongkyu Roh, Won Seok Chi
Summary: In this study, dual-sulfonated polysulfone/metal-organic framework composite membranes were designed as proton exchange membranes. The membranes showed improved proton conductivity and dimensional stability due to the incorporation of sulfonated MOFs and the controllable sulfonation degree of the polysulfone matrix. The composite membranes exhibited high proton conductivity and moderate swelling ratio, even at high temperatures and humidity levels.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Rong Fu, Huangying Wang, Junying Yan, Ruirui Li, Chenxiao Jiang, Yaoming Wang, Tongwen Xu
Summary: Bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) is a promising technique for upgrading traditional manufacturing procedures and achieving a circular economy. Researchers proposed a novel asymmetric bipolar membrane electrodialysis (ABMED) to regulate water splitting and ion migration, which showed comparable performance to BMED for acid/base production.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kang Peng, Yuanyuan Li, Gonggen Tang, Yahua Liu, Zhengjin Yang, Tongwen Xu
Summary: In the development of aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs), anthraquinone derivatives (AQs) attract a great deal of attention as promising negative electrolytes. This study presents a solvation regulation strategy to extend the lifetime of 2,6-dihydroxyanthraquinone (DHAQ) electrolytes by incorporating tetramethylammonium cations (TMA(+)) to interfere with the solvation structure of DHAQ(2-)/DHAHQ(4-) anions. The strategy effectively reduces the capacity fade rate of DHAQ/K4Fe(CN)(6) cells caused by electrolyte decomposition.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tingting Xu, Bin Wu, Yifan Li, Yanran Zhu, Fangmeng Sheng, Liang Ge, Xingya Li, Tongwen Xu
Summary: This study investigates the ion transport properties of different porous organic cage membranes. The window-to-window alignment of CC3 membranes leads to continuous channels, resulting in high ion permeability and selectivity. Compared to CC19, the hydrophobic channels of CC3 membranes facilitate fast ion transport by suppressing the hydrogen-bonding interaction. Tuning the surface charge of CC3 membranes increases the selectivity towards mono-/divalent cations. This work provides guidelines for the construction of efficient ion separation membranes.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chengpeng Wei, Weisheng Yu, Yang Zhang, Fan Zhang, Ming Li, Xianhe Shen, Kaiyu Zhang, Xiaolin Ge, Liang Wu, Tongwen Xu
Summary: In this study, a novel AAEMs with pyrene-containing ether-free polymer backbones and rigid pyrene units was designed, which showed improved ion conductivity, chemical durability, and mechanical strength.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Weisheng Yu, Chengpeng Wei, Kaiyu Zhang, Jianjun Zhang, Zijuan Ge, Xian Liang, Michael D. Guiver, Xiaolin Ge, Liang Wu, Tongwen Xu
Summary: In this study, a 4-sulfocalix[4]arene (4-SCA)-modified graphene oxide (GO) membrane was successfully fabricated, which exhibited high ion permeability and selectivity, as well as pH-responsiveness. The membrane preferentially transported potassium ions over radionuclide cations and showed an order of magnitude higher ion selectivity than the unmodified GO membrane. The improved selectivity resulted from the specific recognition between 4-SCA and radionuclide cations, which was responsive to the protonation/deprotonation transformation of 4-SCA. This biomimetic permselective GO membrane has potential applications in efficient nuclear wastewater treatment and contributes to a deeper understanding of biomimetic ion transport mechanisms.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xianhe Shen, Xian Liang, Yan Xu, Weisheng Yu, Qiuhua Li, Xiaolin Ge, Liang Wu, Tongwen Xu
Summary: This study reports the use of an antioxidant approach to grow a polypyrrole/manganese dioxide (PPy/MnOx) radical quenching layer on a highly proton conductive membrane surface to alleviate the oxidative degradation of the proton exchange membrane (PEM) in PEMFC. The modified PEM exhibits improved durability and slower open circuit voltage decay, without significantly impacting fuel cell performance. The resulting H2/O2 PEMFC single cell shows a promisingly high power density of over 900 mW cm-2 at 80 degrees C with 100% RH.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Peipei Zuo, Chunchun Ye, Zhongren Jiao, Jian Luo, Junkai Fang, Ulrich S. Schubert, Neil B. McKeown, T. Leo Liu, Zhengjin Yang, Tongwen Xu
Summary: The development of efficient ion-transport membranes is crucial for improving separation processes and electrochemical technologies. We have designed synthetic membranes with covalently bonded polymer frameworks that achieve near-frictionless ion flow through rigidly confined ion channels. These membranes have the potential to greatly enhance the performance of electrochemical devices and molecular separation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wanjie Song, Kang Peng, Wei Xu, Xiang Liu, Huaqing Zhang, Xian Liang, Bangjiao Ye, Hongjun Zhang, Zhengjin Yang, Liang Wu, Xiaolin Ge, Tongwen Xu
Summary: The authors have developed a stable polymer membrane that exhibits good performance and durability in electrochemical energy devices such as batteries, electrolyzers, and fuel cells. This anion exchange membrane demonstrates high ion conductivity, excellent barrier properties, and stability exceeding 8000 hours at 80 degrees C in alkali. Furthermore, the authors have successfully achieved roll-to-roll manufacturing of this membrane at a large scale.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tingting Xu, Yue Wang, Qian Chen, Yanran Zhu, Wenmin Li, Fangmeng Sheng, Liang Ge, Xingya Li, Tongwen Xu
Summary: Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) are promising in ion separation due to their simple preparation process and potential industrial applications. By using a soluble porous organic cage (POC) as the filler, large scale and interfacial gap-free ionic polymer membranes can be fabricated with high ion flux and selectivity, as well as excellent stability during the electrodialysis process.
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wanjie Song, Kang Peng, Wei Xu, Xiang Liu, Huaqing Zhang, Xian Liang, Bangjiao Ye, Hongjun Zhang, Zhengjin Yang, Liang Wu, Xiaolin Ge, Tongwen Xu
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wanjie Song, Xin Zhang, Cui Yang, Zhengjin Yang, Liang Wu, Xiaolin Ge, Tongwen Xu
Summary: Anion-exchange membranes that selectively transport OH(-), known as alkaline membranes, are increasingly important for electrochemical energy devices. This article discusses the research progress of alkaline membranes in terms of backbone structures, synthesis methods, and applications. The evaluation of synthesis methods and description of membrane stability enhancement strategies provide valuable insights for structural design. The future priority of addressing alkaline membranes from a scientific and engineering perspective is presented to accelerate the deployment of relevant technologies in alkaline media.
ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Weisheng Yu, Xiaoqi Yang, Xian Liang, Yan Xu, Xianhe Shen, Xiaolin Ge, Liang Wu, Tongwen Xu
Summary: Reducing catalyst loading and humidity dependence is important for commercializing PEMFCs. The use of fluorine-free hydrocarbon membranes instead of perfluorinated sulfonic-acid PEMs can reduce manufacturing costs. The AS-MEA, fabricated using an all spraying method, shows superior performance compared to the CCS-MEA, particularly at low humidity and catalyst loading, and also exhibits good durability.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
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)