Sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) membranes based on biphenol for direct methanol fuel cells

Synthesis, physico-chemical characterization, and environmental applications of meso porous crosslinked poly (azomethine-sulfone)s

To develop innovative mesoporous crosslinked poly(azomethine- sulfone)s with environmental applications, a simple Schiff base condensation technique based on barbituric acid BA or condensed terephthaldehyde barbituric acid TBA in their structures as monomeric units are applied. Different analysis methodologies and viscosity measurements identify them as having stronger heat stability and an amorphous structure. The photophysical features of the multi stimuli response MSR phenomenon are observable, with white light emission at higher concentrations and blue light emission at lower concentrations. Their emission characteristics make them an excellent metal ions sensor through diverse charge transfer methods. They can have a better inhibition efficiency and be employed as both mixed-type and active corrosion inhibitors according to their fluorescence emission with metals, demonstrating their capacity to bind with diverse metals. The adsorption of two distinct dye molecules, Methylene blue MB cationic and sunset yellow SY anionic, on the mesoporous structures of the polymers is investigated, revealing their selectivity for MB dye adsorption. Quantum studies support these amazing discoveries, demonstrating a crab-like monomeric unit structure for the one that is heavily crosslinked.

Dendrite Suppression Membranes for Rechargeable Zinc Batteries

Aqueous batteries with zinc metal anodes are promising alternatives to Li-ion batteries for grid storage because of their abundance and benefits in cost, safety, and nontoxicity. However, short cyclability due to zinc dendrite growth remains a major obstacle. Here, we report a cross-linked polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based cation exchange membrane that is low cost and mechanically robust. Li₂S₃ reacts with PAN, simultaneously leading to cross-linking and formation of sulfur-containing functional groups. Hydrolysis of the membrane results in the formation of a membrane that achieves preferred cation transport and homogeneous ionic flux distribution. The separator is thin (30 μm-thick), almost 9 times stronger than hydrated Nafion, and made of low-cost materials. The membrane separator enables exceptionally long cyclability (>350 cycles) of Zn/Zn symmetric cells with low polarization and effective dendrite suppression. Our work demonstrates that the design of new separators is a fruitful pathway to enhancing the cyclability of aqueous batteries.