Click here to sign in with or
Forget Password?
Learn more
share this!
173
Twit
Share
Email
June 25, 2024
This article has been reviewed according to Science X’s editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content’s credibility:
fact-checked
peer-reviewed publication
proofread
by University of Science and Technology of China
A team of researchers has achieved a breakthrough in the development of anion exchange membranes (AEMs). They designed a novel spiro-branched polymeric membrane that incorporates highly connected sub-nanometer microporous ion channels, showing exceptional performance in flow battery applications. The team included researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), led by Prof. Xu Tongwen and Ge Xiaolin.
The study was published in Nature Sustainability.
AEMs have broad applications, including chemical separations, CO2 conversion, electrochemical ammonia synthesis, water electrolysis for hydrogen production, and various energy storage systems. The ability to efficiently and reliably conduct ions is vital for improving the performance and sustainability of these applications. Traditional methods, primarily through microphase separation, have struggled with balancing ion conductivity, selectivity, and stability. This often results in tradeoffs that limit the overall performance of the membranes.
To solve these problems, the research team developed a novel spiro-branched polymeric membrane using stereotwisted spiro scaffolds and poly (aryl piperidinium) based on an all-carbon backbone. The synthesis process involved creating a spiro-branched structure that combines the rigidity of spiro units with the flexibility of branched chains. This novel configuration was aimed at enhancing the free volume within the polymer, which is crucial for forming efficient ion transport pathways.
Furthermore, the researchers conducted comprehensive structural characterization, including morphology analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), as well as porosity measurements. These analyses revealed that the membrane forms a semi-flexible 3D loosely packed network, which significantly increases the free volume and creates highly connected sub-nanometer ion channels.
Finally, performance evaluation showed that the spiro-branched polymeric membranes demonstrated exceptional anion conductivity, with chloride ion conductivities exceeding 60 mS cm-1 at 30°C and reaching up to 120 mS cm-1 at 80°C. In addition, in flow battery applications, these membranes showed superior power density and energy efficiency, enabling rapid charge and discharge cycles at a high current density of 400 mA cm-2. They also exhibited excellent chemical stability in vanadium redox flow batteries, indicating their potential for long-term use in energy storage systems.
This breakthrough offers a new strategy for membrane material design, potentially addressing various energy and environmental challenges. The research not only advances the field of polymer science, but also paves the way for more efficient and sustainable energy storage technologies.
More information: Huaqing Zhang et al, High-performance spiro-branched polymeric membranes for sustainability applications, Nature Sustainability (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41893-024-01364-0
Journal information: Nature Sustainability
Journal information: Nature Sustainability
Provided by University of Science and Technology of China
Explore further
Facebook
Twitter
Email
Feedback to editors
7 hours ago
0
8 hours ago
0
Jun 27, 2024
0
Jun 27, 2024
0
Jun 26, 2024
0
7 hours ago
8 hours ago
11 hours ago
Jun 28, 2024
Jun 28, 2024
Jun 28, 2024
Jun 28, 2024
Jun 28, 2024
Jun 28, 2024
Jun 28, 2024
Jun 28, 2024
Jun 26, 2024
Jun 26, 2024
Jun 25, 2024
Jun 23, 2024
Jun 21, 2024
More from Chemistry
Mar 14, 2024
Jun 14, 2024
Jun 24, 2024
Apr 24, 2024
Jan 30, 2023
Jun 5, 2024
Jun 28, 2024
Jun 27, 2024
Jun 27, 2024
Jun 27, 2024
Jun 27, 2024
Jun 27, 2024
Use this form if you have come across a typo, inaccuracy or would like to send an edit request for the content on this page. For general inquiries, please use our contact form. For general feedback, use the public comments section below (please adhere to guidelines).
Please select the most appropriate category to facilitate processing of your request
Thank you for taking time to provide your feedback to the editors.
Your feedback is important to us. However, we do not guarantee individual replies due to the high volume of messages.
Your email address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the email. Neither your address nor the recipient’s address will be used for any other purpose. The information you enter will appear in your e-mail message and is not retained by Phys.org in any form.
Get weekly and/or daily updates delivered to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time and we’ll never share your details to third parties.
More information Privacy policy
We keep our content available to everyone. Consider supporting Science X’s mission by getting a premium account.
Medical research advances and health news
The latest engineering, electronics and technology advances
The most comprehensive sci-tech news coverage on the web