Recent Advances in Bipolar Membrane Design and Applications

Abstract

Integration of bipolar membranes (BPMs) into electrochemical cells is an established method for acid and base generation, as well as desalinization methods. More recently, BPMs have been recognized for their ability to control the environment of half-reactions, including the maintenance of a pH gradient, without significant loss in efficiency. Over the past few years, significant advances have been made in BPM design, resulting in rapid deployment of BPMs into a wide range of applications, from mineral extraction, to energy storage and conversion frameworks, to ionotronics. Here, we explore the fundamentals of BPM operation and recent methods that have improved the performance and stability of BPMs and provide an overview of the limitations inherent to current BPM-based technologies, with a focus on future directions. Finally, we highlight research areas where BPM integration has enhanced, or is essential for, device operation, showing the versatility, potential, and broad range of research areas impacted by BPMs.

On the effect of anion exchange ionomer binders in bipolar electrode membrane interface water electrolysis

“…1b), which feed the respective electrode reactions. [22][23][24] Interested readers are referred to a recent review by Giesbrecht et al 25 There are opposing opinions in the literature on how a stable pH gradient needs to be implemented in a real water electrolysis device. In contrast to fuel cells, water electrolyzers feature membrane and AEI soaked in a liquid electrolyte.…”

Chemical and Energy Recovery Alternatives in SWRO Desalination through Electro-Membrane Technologies

“…EDBM applications for product purification and waste valorization have been reported in the literature under different frameworks such as the food industry (casein, protein isolates) [28]; however, its application in desalination brine management for the production of HCl and NaOH stands out [29,30]. Nevertheless, further development of bipolar membranes towards improvements on the longevity (pH stability) and the unwanted co-ion leakages should be carried out in addition to a reduction of their synthesis cost in order to be competitive with the current technologies [31].…”

Recovery of Acid and Base from Sodium Sulfate Containing Lithium Carbonate Using Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis

“…Electrodialysis (ED) technology is an electromembrane separation process in which anions and cations migrate to opposite electrodes under the action of a direct current electric field, thereby achieving ion separation, concentration, and purification [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. BMED technology is based on traditional electrodialysis, in which H 2 O splits into H + and OH − in the interfacial layer of the bipolar membrane [ 19 , 20 ]. BMED can simultaneously achieve high-salinity wastewater desalination and acid and alkali production without introducing other components [ 21 , 22 ].…”