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Membranes
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Membranes for Energy Conversion
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Membranes for Energy Conversion

A special issue of Membranes (ISSN 2077-0375). This special issue belongs to the section "Membrane Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 August 2022) | Viewed by 44138

Special Issue Editor

Dr. V. María Barragán

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Guest Editor
Department of Structure of Matter, Thermal Physics and Electronics, Faculty of Physics, Complutense University of Madrid, Plaza de Ciencias, 1, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: non-equilibrium thermodynamics; membrane transport processes; ion-exchange membranes; energy conversion
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Global energy consumption continues to grow, and the present energy generation is still largely dependent on fossil fuels, which will become less accessible in the not-too-distant future. In addition, the increase in the price of energy together with the environmental problems resulting from the excessive emission of greenhouse gases have led to a growing interest in the development of alternative energy sources. In addressing this challenge, membrane technology is a promising alternative for energy conversion with less environmental impact and, in this sense, the interest in it has been growing rapidly. Membranes have the opportunity to become a key element in the transition to a more energetically sustainable world.

From the energy conversion perspective, the potential application of membranes covers a wide range, including their use as electrolytes in membrane-based fuel cells, as separators in lithium batteries, in obtaining blue energy by means of reverse electrodialysis, or in thermoelectric and electrokinetic energy conversion, among others. Some membrane technologies are already applied in industries at scale, and others are still in earlier stages, but in any case, we are faced with the major challenge of making breakthroughs in membrane science and technology.

Research contributions on different aspects related to the use of membranes for energy conversion are welcome for this Special Issue.

Prof. V. María Barragán
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Membranes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 207 KiB  
Editorial
Membranes for Energy Conversion
by V. María Barragán
Membranes 2023, 13(8), 735; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes13080735 - 17 Aug 2023
Viewed by 906
Abstract
In the modern world, the level of global energy consumption continues to increase, with current methods of energy generation still greatly dependent on fossil fuels, which will become less accessible in the not-so-distant future [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes for Energy Conversion)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

16 pages, 3157 KiB  
Article
Polymer Electrolytes Based on Na-Nafion Plasticized by Binary Mixture of Ethylene Carbonate and Sulfolane
by Anna A. Krupina, Ruslan R. Kayumov, Grigory V. Nechaev, Alexander N. Lapshin and Lyubov V. Shmygleva
Membranes 2022, 12(9), 840; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12090840 - 29 Aug 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2538
Abstract
The development of post-lithium current sources, such as sodium-ion batteries with improved energy characteristics and an increased level of safety, is one of the key issues of modern energy. It requires the search and study of materials (including electrolytes) for these devices. Polyelectrolytes [...] Read more.
The development of post-lithium current sources, such as sodium-ion batteries with improved energy characteristics and an increased level of safety, is one of the key issues of modern energy. It requires the search and study of materials (including electrolytes) for these devices. Polyelectrolytes with unipolar cationic conductivity based on Nafion® membranes are promising. In this work, the effect of swelling conditions of the Nafion® 115 membrane in Na+-form with mixtures of aprotic solvents such as ethylene carbonate and sulfolane on its physicochemical and electrotransport properties was studied. Nafion-Na+ membranes were swollen in a mixture of solvents at temperatures of 40, 60, and 80 °C. The results were obtained using methods of impedance spectroscopy, simultaneous thermal analysis, and IR spectroscopy. The best conductivity was observed for a membrane swelling at 80 °C in a mixture with a mass fraction of ethylene carbonate of 0.5, which reaches 10−4 S cm−1 at 30 °C and retains rather high values down to −60 °C (10−6 S cm−1). Thus, it is possible to expand the operating temperature range of a sodium battery by varying the composition of the polymer electrolyte and the conditions for its preparation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes for Energy Conversion)
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12 pages, 3600 KiB  
Article
Alcohol Diffusion in Alkali-Metal-Doped Polymeric Membranes for Using in Alkaline Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells
by Andrea Fernández-Nieto, Sagrario Muñoz and Vicenta María Barragán
Membranes 2022, 12(7), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12070666 - 28 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1673
Abstract
The alcohol permeability of anion exchange membranes is a crucial property when they are used as a solid electrolyte in alkaline direct alcohol fuel cells and electrolyzers. The membrane is the core component to impede the fuel crossover and allows the ionic transport, [...] Read more.
The alcohol permeability of anion exchange membranes is a crucial property when they are used as a solid electrolyte in alkaline direct alcohol fuel cells and electrolyzers. The membrane is the core component to impede the fuel crossover and allows the ionic transport, and it strongly affects the fuel cell performance. The aim of this work is to compare different anion exchange membranes to be used as an electrolyte in alkaline direct alcohol fuels cells. The alcohol permeability of four commercial anion exchange membranes with different structure were analyzed in several hydro-organic media. The membranes were doped using different types of alkaline doping agents (LiOH, NaOH, and KOH) and different conditions to analyze the effect of the treatment on the membrane behavior. Methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol were analyzed. The study was focused on the diffusive contribution to the alcohol crossover that affects the fuel cell performance. To this purpose, alcohol permeability was determined for various membrane systems. The results show that membrane alcohol permeability is affected by the doping conditions, depending on the effect on the type of membrane and alcohol nature. In general, heterogeneous membranes presented a positive correlation between alcohol permeability and doping capacity, with a lower effect for larger-size alcohols. A definite trend was not observed for homogeneous membranes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes for Energy Conversion)
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19 pages, 3004 KiB  
Article
Studies of Circuit Design, Structural, Relaxation and Potential Stability of Polymer Blend Electrolyte Membranes Based on PVA:MC Impregnated with NH4I Salt
by Muaffaq M. Nofal, Shujahadeen B. Aziz, Mohamad A. Brza, Sozan N. Abdullah, Elham M. A. Dannoun, Jihad M. Hadi, Ary R. Murad, Sameerah I. Al-Saeedi and Mohd F. Z. Kadir
Membranes 2022, 12(3), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12030284 - 28 Feb 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3052
Abstract
This work presents the fabrication of polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) that are made of polyvinyl alcohol-methylcellulose (PVA-MC) doped with various amounts of ammonium iodide (NH4I). The structural and electrical properties of the polymer blend electrolyte were performed via the acquisition of [...] Read more.
This work presents the fabrication of polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) that are made of polyvinyl alcohol-methylcellulose (PVA-MC) doped with various amounts of ammonium iodide (NH4I). The structural and electrical properties of the polymer blend electrolyte were performed via the acquisition of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), respectively. The interaction among the components of the electrolyte was confirmed via the FTIR approach. Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed that the whole conductivity of complexes of PVA-MC was increased beyond the addition of NH4I. The application of EEC modeling on experimental data of EIS was helpful to calculate the ion transport parameters and detect the circuit elements of the films. The sample containing 40 wt.% of NH4I salt exhibited maximum ionic conductivity (7.01 × 10−8) S cm−1 at room temperature. The conductivity behaviors were further emphasized from the dielectric study. The dielectric constant, ε’ and loss, ε’’ values were recorded at high values within the low-frequency region. The peak appearance of the dielectric relaxation analysis verified the non-Debye type of relaxation mechanism was clarified via the peak appearance of the dielectric relaxation. For further confirmation, the transference number measurement (TNM) of the PVA-MC-NH4I electrolyte was analyzed in which ions were primarily entities for the charge transfer process. The linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) shows a relatively electrochemically stable electrolyte where the voltage was swept linearly up to 1.6 V. Finally, the sample with maximum conductivity, ion dominance of tion and relatively wide breakdown voltage were found to be 0.88 and 1.6 V, respectively. As the ions are the majority charge carrier, this polymer electrolyte could be considered as a promising candidate to be used in electrochemical energy storage devices for example electrochemical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) device. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes for Energy Conversion)
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15 pages, 1488 KiB  
Article
On the Proton Conduction Pathways in Polyelectrolyte Membranes Based on Syndiotactic-Polystyrene
by Maria-Maddalena Schiavone, Yue Zhao, Hiroki Iwase, Hiroshi Arima-Osonoi, Shin-ichi Takata and Aurel Radulescu
Membranes 2022, 12(2), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12020143 - 24 Jan 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2590
Abstract
When functionalized by the solid-state sulfonation process, the amorphous regions of the semi-crystalline syndiotactic-polystyrene (sPS) become hydrophilic, and thus can conduct protons upon membrane hydration, which increases the interest in this material as a potential candidate for applications with proton exchange membranes. The [...] Read more.
When functionalized by the solid-state sulfonation process, the amorphous regions of the semi-crystalline syndiotactic-polystyrene (sPS) become hydrophilic, and thus can conduct protons upon membrane hydration, which increases the interest in this material as a potential candidate for applications with proton exchange membranes. The resistance of sulfonated sPS to oxidative decomposition can be improved by doping the membrane with fullerenes. In previous work, we have described the morphology in hydrated sulfonated sPS films doped with fullerenes on different length scales as determined by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and the structural changes in such membranes as a function of the degree of hydration and temperature. In the current work, we report on the relationship between the morphology of hydrated domains as obtained by SANS and the proton conductivity in sulfonated sPS-fullerene composite membranes at different temperature and relative humidity (RH) conditions. Based on this combined experimental approach, clear evidence for the formation and evolution of the hydrated domains in functionalized sPS membranes has been provided and a better understanding of the hydration and conductivity pathways in this material has been obtained. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes for Energy Conversion)
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14 pages, 2129 KiB  
Article
Short-Circuit Current in Polymeric Membrane-Based Thermocells: An Experimental Study
by V. María Barragán
Membranes 2021, 11(7), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11070480 - 28 Jun 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2382
Abstract
Thermocells are non-isothermal electrochemical cells used to convert thermal energy into electricity. In a thermocell, together with the ion flux, heat is also transferred, which can reduce the temperature gradient and thus the delivered electric current. A charged membrane used as a separating [...] Read more.
Thermocells are non-isothermal electrochemical cells used to convert thermal energy into electricity. In a thermocell, together with the ion flux, heat is also transferred, which can reduce the temperature gradient and thus the delivered electric current. A charged membrane used as a separating barrier in the electrolyte liquid could reduce this problem. Therefore, the use of ion-exchange membranes has been suggested as an alternative in terms of thermoelectricity because of their high Seebeck coefficient. Ion transfer occurs not only at the liquid solution but also at the solid membrane when a temperature gradient is imposed. Thus, the electric current delivered by the thermocell will also be highly dependent on the membrane system properties. In this work, a polymeric membrane-based thermocell with 1:1 alkali chloride electrolytes and reversible Ag|AgCl electrodes at different temperatures is studied. This work focuses on the experimental relation between the short-circuit current density and the temperature difference. Short-circuit current is the maximum electric current supplied by a thermocell and is directly related to the maximum output electrical power. It can therefore provide valuable information on the thermocell efficiency. The effect of the membrane, electrolyte nature and hydrodynamic conditions is analysed from an experimental point of view. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes for Energy Conversion)
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9 pages, 1229 KiB  
Communication
The Impact of Chemical-Mechanical Ex Situ Aging on PFSA Membranes for Fuel Cells
by Mylène Robert, Assma El Kaddouri, Jean-Christophe Perrin, Kévin Mozet, Jérôme Dillet, Jean-Yves Morel and Olivier Lottin
Membranes 2021, 11(5), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11050366 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3421
Abstract
A proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) constitutes today one of the preferred technologies to promote hydrogen-based alternative energies. However, the large-scale deployment of PEMFCs is still hampered by insufficient durability and reliability. In particular, the degradation of the polyelectrolyte membrane, caused by harsh [...] Read more.
A proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) constitutes today one of the preferred technologies to promote hydrogen-based alternative energies. However, the large-scale deployment of PEMFCs is still hampered by insufficient durability and reliability. In particular, the degradation of the polyelectrolyte membrane, caused by harsh mechanical and chemical stresses experienced during fuel cell operation, has been identified as one of the main factors restricting the PEMFC lifetime. An innovative chemical-mechanical ex situ aging device was developed to simultaneously expose the membrane to mechanical fatigue and an oxidizing environment (i.e., free radicals) in order to reproduce conditions close to those encountered in fuel cell systems. A cyclic compressive stress of 5 or 10 MPa was applied during several hours while a degrading solution (H2O2 or a Fenton solution) was circulated in contact with the membrane. The results demonstrated that both composite Nafion™ XL and non-reinforced Nafion™ NR211 membranes are significantly degraded by the conjoint mechanical and chemical stress exposure. The fluoride emission rate (FER) was generally slightly lower with XL than with NR211, which could be attributed to the degradation mitigation strategies developed for composite XL, except when the pressure level or the aging duration were increased, suggesting a limitation of the improved durability of XL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes for Energy Conversion)
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13 pages, 5779 KiB  
Article
Flexible 5-in-1 Microsensor Embedded in the Proton Battery for Real-Time Microscopic Diagnosis
by Chi-Yuan Lee, Chia-Hung Chen, John-Shong Cheong, Yun-Hsiu Chien and Yi-Chuan Lin
Membranes 2021, 11(4), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11040276 - 8 Apr 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2174
Abstract
The proton battery possesses water electrolysis, proton storage and discharging functions simultaneously, and it can be manufactured without expensive metals. Use the principle of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis for charging, store it in the activated carbon on the hydrogen side and use [...] Read more.
The proton battery possesses water electrolysis, proton storage and discharging functions simultaneously, and it can be manufactured without expensive metals. Use the principle of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis for charging, store it in the activated carbon on the hydrogen side and use the principle of proton exchange membrane fuel cell for discharge when needed. According to the latest literature, it is difficult to obtain the exact important physical parameters inside the proton battery (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, humidity and flow), and the important physical parameters are correlated with each other, which have critical influence on the performance, lifetime and health status of the proton battery. At present, the condition of the proton battery is judged indirectly only by external measurement, the actual situation inside the proton battery cannot be obtained accurately and instantly. Therefore, this study uses micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology to develop a flexible 5-in-1 microsensor, which is embedded in the proton battery to obtain five important physical parameters instantly, so that the condition inside the proton battery can be mastered more precisely, so as to prolong the battery life and enhance the proton battery performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes for Energy Conversion)
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Review

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27 pages, 5211 KiB  
Review
Membrane-Based Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production: A Review
by Mohd Fadhzir Ahmad Kamaroddin, Nordin Sabli, Tuan Amran Tuan Abdullah, Shamsul Izhar Siajam, Luqman Chuah Abdullah, Aishah Abdul Jalil and Arshad Ahmad
Membranes 2021, 11(11), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11110810 - 24 Oct 2021
Cited by 78 | Viewed by 23457
Abstract
Hydrogen is a zero-carbon footprint energy source with high energy density that could be the basis of future energy systems. Membrane-based water electrolysis is one means by which to produce high-purity and sustainable hydrogen. It is important that the scientific community focus on [...] Read more.
Hydrogen is a zero-carbon footprint energy source with high energy density that could be the basis of future energy systems. Membrane-based water electrolysis is one means by which to produce high-purity and sustainable hydrogen. It is important that the scientific community focus on developing electrolytic hydrogen systems which match available energy sources. In this review, various types of water splitting technologies, and membrane selection for electrolyzers, are discussed. We highlight the basic principles, recent studies, and achievements in membrane-based electrolysis for hydrogen production. Previously, the Nafion™ membrane was the gold standard for PEM electrolyzers, but today, cheaper and more effective membranes are favored. In this paper, CuCl–HCl electrolysis and its operating parameters are summarized. Additionally, a summary is presented of hydrogen production by water splitting, including a discussion of the advantages, disadvantages, and efficiencies of the relevant technologies. Nonetheless, the development of cost-effective and efficient hydrogen production technologies requires a significant amount of study, especially in terms of optimizing the operation parameters affecting the hydrogen output. Therefore, herein we address the challenges, prospects, and future trends in this field of research, and make critical suggestions regarding the implementation of comprehensive membrane-based electrolytic systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes for Energy Conversion)
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