Zhang S, Tanioka A, Matsumoto H. De Novo Ion-Exchange Membranes Based on Nanofibers.
MEMBRANES 2021;
11:652. [PMID:
34564469 PMCID:
PMC8469869 DOI:
10.3390/membranes11090652]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The unique functions of nanofibers (NFs) are based on their nanoscale cross-section, high specific surface area, and high molecular orientation, and/or their confined polymer chains inside the fibers. The introduction of ion-exchange (IEX) groups on the surface and/or inside the NFs provides de novo ion-exchangers. In particular, the combination of large surface areas and ionizable groups in the IEX-NFs improves their performance through indices such as extremely rapid ion-exchange kinetics and high ion-exchange capacities. In reality, the membranes based on ion-exchange NFs exhibit superior properties such as high catalytic efficiency, high ion-exchange and adsorption capacities, and high ionic conductivities. The present review highlights the fundamental aspects of IEX-NFs (i.e., their unique size-dependent properties), scalable production methods, and the recent advancements in their applications in catalysis, separation/adsorption processes, and fuel cells, as well as the future perspectives and endeavors of NF-based IEMs.
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