Composition and Structure Progress of the Catalytic Interface Layer for Bipolar Membrane

Abstract

Bipolar membranes, a new type of composite ion exchange membrane, contain an anion exchange layer, a cation exchange layer and an interface layer. The interface layer or junction is the connection between the anion and cation exchange layers. Water is dissociated into protons and hydroxide ions at the junction, which provides solutions to many challenges in the chemical, environmental and energy fields. By combining bipolar membranes with electrodialysis technology, acids and bases could be produced with low cost and high efficiency. The interface layer or junction of bipolar membranes (BPMs) is the connection between the anion and cation exchange layers, which the membrane and interface layer modification are vital for improving the performance of BPMs. This paper reviews the effect of modification of a bipolar membrane interface layer on water dissociation efficiency and voltage across the membrane, which divides into three aspects: organic materials, inorganic materials and newly designed materials with multiple components. The structure of the interface layer is also introduced on the performance of bipolar membranes. In addition, the remainder of this review discusses the challenges and opportunities for the development of more efficient, sustainable and practical bipolar membranes.

Bipolar Membrane Seawater Splitting for Hydrogen Production: A Review

“…The theory basically claims the possibility of H + and OH – ions production in proton-transfer reactions between water and fixed charged groups ,, with the presence of a catalyst in water splitting. Hence, in contrast to the second Wien effect that assumes similar water-dissociating properties for both CEL and AEL layers, the protonation–deprotonation mechanism explains that the water dissociation rate depends on the type of fixed groups in CEL and AEL, where both layers might provide different catalytic activities …”

“…The dissociation of water on metal oxides and hydroxides occurs by adsorption of water onto the surface, followed by transfer of protons from the water to neighboring oxygen atoms, resulting in hydroxide ions. However, in the actual electrolysis process, the catalyst containing metal ions has the disadvantage that the metal ions are easily lost due to their small size, and an effective method is to immobilize the metal ions. , In addition, other materials, such as graphene oxide (GO), , molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ), montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay, and dipicolinic acid …”

“…However, in the actual electrolysis process, the catalyst containing metal ions has the disadvantage that the metal ions are easily lost due to their small size, and an effective method is to immobilize the metal ions. 102,116 In addition, other materials, such as graphene oxide (GO), 117,118 molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ), 116 montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay, 114 and dipicolinic acid. 119 It is important to note that the choice of synthesis technique depends on factors such as the desired properties of the bipolar membrane, ease of scalability, and specific application requirements.…”

Recent Development and Challenges of Bipolar Membranes for High Performance Water Electrolysis

“…Second, constructing a heterogeneous 2D or 3D interlayer structure between AEL and CEL has recently proved as a promising strategy to promote WD kinetics. , The architecture of the interface junction has a great influence on the WD kinetics. The schematic diagram and the corresponding SEM image of the IL are shown in Figure a–d, which are categorized into four different types. ,, Importantly, constructing a heterogeneous IL can prevent direct contact between AEL and CEL, improving the adhesion of each layer. Eswaraswamy et al introduced the SPEEK and graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite layer into the interface which greatly lowered the U diss to 1.87 V, versus 3.27 V of the BPM without interface.…”

“…The schematic diagram and the corresponding SEM image of the IL are shown in Figure11a−d, which are categorized into four different types. 7,8,111 Importantly, constructing a heterogeneous IL can prevent direct contact between AEL and CEL, improving the adhesion of each layer. Eswaraswamy et al 108 introduced the SPEEK and graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite layer into the interface which greatly lowered the U diss to 1.87 V, versus 3.27 V of the BPM without interface.…”