Preparation of a Cross-Linked Sulfonated Poly(arylene ether ketone) Proton Exchange Membrane with Enhanced Proton Conductivity and Methanol Resistance by Introducing an Ionic Liquid-Impregnated Metal Organic Framework

Construction of 3D-graphene/NH2-MIL-125 nanohybrids via amino-ionic liquid dual-mode bonding for advanced acetaldehyde photodegradation under high humidity

The development of metal organic framework (MOF)-based π-π conjugated structures capable of effectively transforming H2O from humid air to •OH radicals for VOCs photodegradation is a significant but difficult task. Herein, an amino-ionic liquid (NH2-IL) based dual-mode bridging strategy was proposed to connect 3D-graphene with NH2-MIL-125 forming IL-3DGr/NM(Ti) nanohybrids for advanced acetaldehyde photodegradation. The rational integration of these components was responsible for: (1) maintaining π-π conjugated electron transport system; (2) generating abundant coordinatively unsaturated sites and oxygen vacancies; (3) increasing surface area of the nanohybrids. With these attributes, IL-3DGr/NM(Ti) demonstrated enhanced charge separation and transportation electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS): 7-times), acetaldehyde adsorption (22 %), light absorption (bandgap: 1.51 eV). The rapid H2O adsorption and photoconversion to •OH radicals by IL-3DGr/NM(Ti) enabled it to demonstrate superior CH3CHO photodegradation rate under high humidity, surpassing many state-of-the-art photocatalysts by 9 to 187 times under static air conditions and with nearly similar catalyst dosages* (photocatalyst weight and initial acetaldehyde concentration (mg ppm-1) ratio). Interestingly, the IL-3DGr/NM(Ti) photocatalytic activity was enhanced by increasing RH% up-to 80 %. Besides, the nanohybrids demonstrated tremendous stability, with only a 3.9 % decline observed after 5 consecutive-cycles. This strategy provides new prospects to improve the compatibility of graphene/MOF materials for futuristic photoelectrical applications under high humidity.

Advances in ionogels for proton-exchange membranes

To ensure the long-term performance of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), proton-exchange membranes (PEMs) have stringent requirements at high temperatures and humidities, as they may lose proton carriers. This issue poses a serious challenge to maintaining their proton conductivity and mechanical performance throughout their service life. Ionogels are ionic liquids (ILs) hybridized with another component (such as organic, inorganic, or organic-inorganic hybrid skeleton). This design is used to maintain the desirable properties of ILs (negligible vapor pressure, thermal stability, and non-flammability), as well as a high ionic conductivity and wide electrochemical stability window with low outflow. Ionogels have opened new routes for designing solid-electrolyte membranes, especially PEMs. This paper reviews recent research progress of ionogels in proton-exchange membranes, focusing on their electrochemical properties and proton transport mechanisms.

Hybrid Membrane of Sulfonated Poly(aryl ether ketone sulfone) Modified by Molybdenum Clusters with Enhanced Proton Conductivity

Developing novel proton exchange membranes (PEMs) with low cost and superior performance to replace Nafion is of great significance. Polyoxometalate-doped sulfonated poly(aryl ether ketone sulfone) (SPAEKS) allows for the amalgamation of the advantages in each constituent, thereby achieving an optimized performance for the hybrid PEMs. Herein, the hybrid membranes by introducing 2MeIm-{Mo132} into SPAEKS are obtained. Excellent hydrophilic properties of 2MeIm-{Mo132} can help more water molecules be retained in the hybrid membrane, providing abundant carriers for proton transport and proton hopping sites to build successive hydrophilic channels, thus lowering the energy barrier, accelerating the proton migration, and significantly fostering the proton conductivity of hybrid membranes. Especially, SP-2MIMo132-5 exhibits an enhanced proton conductivity of 75 mS cm-1 at 80 °C, which is 82.9% higher than pristine SPAEKS membrane. Additionally, this membrane is suitable for application in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, and a maximum power density of 266.2 mW cm-2 can be achieved at 80 °C, which far exceeds that of pristine SPAEKS membrane (54.6 mW cm-2). This work demonstrates that polyoxometalate-based clusters can serve as excellent proton conduction sites, opening up the choice of proton conduction carriers in hybrid membrane design and providing a novel idea to manufacture high-performance PEMs.

Ionic Liquids Functionalized MOFs for Adsorption

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and ionic liquids (ILs) represent promising materials for adsorption separation. ILs incorporated into MOF materials (denoted as IL/MOF composites) have been developed, and IL/MOF composites combine the advantages of MOFs and ILs to achieve enhanced performance in the adsorption-based separation of fluid mixtures. The designed different ILs are introduced into the various MOFs to tailor their functional properties, which affect the optimal adsorptive separation performance. In this Perspective, the rational fabrication of IL/MOF composites is presented, and their functional properties are demonstrated. This paper provides a critical overview of an emergent class of materials termed IL/MOF composites as well as the recent advances in the applications of IL/MOF composites as adsorbents or membranes in fluid separation. Furthermore, the applications of IL/MOF in adsorptive gas separations (CO2 capture from flue gas, natural gas purification, separation of acetylene and ethylene, indoor pollutants removal) and liquid separations (separation of bioactive components, organic-contaminant removal, adsorptive desulfurization, radionuclide removal) are discussed. Finally, the existing challenges of IL/MOF are highlighted, and an appropriate design strategy direction for the effective exploration of new IL/MOF adsorptive materials is proposed.

Polyelectrolyte membranes based on phosphorylated-PVA/cellulose acetate for direct methanol fuel cell applications: synthesis, instrumental characterization, and performance testing

Designing and synthesis of cost-effective and improved methanol permeable and proton conductive membranes are the main challenges for preparation of polymeric electrolyte membrane (PEM). Herein, a cost-effective PEM membrane based on phosphorylated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-grafted-cellulose acetate (CA) was prepared by a solution-casting technique. Water and methanol uptakes of phosphorylated PVA/CA membranes were characterized as function with the molar ratio of CA. Additionally, structure and morphology of phosphorylated PVA/CA (Ph-PVA/CA) membranes were verified by FT-IR analysis, SEM investigation. Furthermore, ion exchange capacity (IEC), proton conductivity and methanol permeation of Ph-PVA/CA membranes were examined based on the concentration of OPA basically. The results manifested a perceptible improvement in proton conductivity from 0.035 to 0.05 S/cm at 25 and 70 °C, respectively using 600 μL of OPA, and IEC of 2.1 meq/g using 400 μL of OPA at ambient temperature. On the other hand, methanol permeability (P = 1.08 × 10-10 cm2/s) was lower than Nafion 117 admirably. The optimum OPA concentration was 200 μL according to conductivity measurements (at 10% PVA, 150 μL GA, and CA 7%). Finally, prepared Ph-PVA/CA membranes exhibited enhancement in critical natures such as proton conductivity and IEC combined with its low-cost materials, which make them excellent candidate as PEM for DMFCs application.

Branched Poly(arylene ether ketone sulfone)s with Ultradensely Sulfonated Branched Centers for Proton Exchange Membranes: Effect of the Positions of the Sulfonic Acid Groups

Branched sulfonated polymers present considerable potential for application as proton exchange membranes, yet investigation of branched polymers containing sulfonated branched centers remains to be advanced. Herein, we report a series of polymers with ultradensely sulfonated branched centers, namely, B-x-SPAEKS, where x represents the degree of branching. In comparison with the analogous polymers bearing sulfonated branched arms, B-x-SPAEKS showed a reduced water affinity, resulting in less swelling and lower proton conductivity. The water uptake, swelling ratio (in-plane), and proton conductivity of B-10-SPAEKS at 80 °C were 52.2%, 57.7%, and 23.6% lower than their counterparts, respectively. However, further analysis revealed that B-x-SPAEKS featured significantly better proton conduction under the same water content due to the formation of larger hydrophilic clusters (∼10 nm) that promoted efficient proton transportation. B-12.5-SPAEKS exhibited a proton conductivity of 138.8 mS cm^-1 and a swelling ratio (in-plane) of only 11.6% at 80 °C, both of which were superior to Nafion 117. In addition, a decent single-cell performance of B-12.5-SPAEKS was also achieved. Consequently, the decoration of sulfonic acid groups on the branched centers represents a very promising strategy, enabling outstanding proton conductivity and dimensional stability simultaneously even with low water content.

Anhydrous proton conductivity of electrospun phosphoric acid-doped PVP-PVDF nanofibers and composite membranes containing MOF fillers

A high-temperature proton exchange membrane was fabricated based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) blend polymer nanofibers. Using electrospinning method, abundant small ionic clusters can be formed and agglomerated on membrane surface, which would facilitate the proton conductivity. To further enhance the conductivity, phosphoric acid (PA) retention as well as mechanical strength, sulfamic acid (SA)-doped metal-organic framework MIL-101 was incorporated into PVP-PVDF blend nanofiber membranes. As a result, the anhydrous proton conductivity of the composite SA/MIL101@PVP-PVDF membrane reached 0.237 S cm^-1 at 160 °C at a moderate acid doping level (ADL) of 12.7. The construction of long-range conducting network by electrospinning method combined with hot-pressing and the synergistic effect between PVP-PVDF, SA/MIL-101 and PA all contribute to the proton conducting behaviors of this composite membrane.

Metal-organic frameworks as proton conductors: strategies for improved proton conductivity

Recent studies on proton conductivity using pristine MOFs and their composite materials have established an outstanding area of research owing to their potential applications for the development of high performance solid state proton conductors (SSPCs) and proton exchange membranes (PEMs) in fuel cells (FCs). MOFs, as crystalline organic and inorganic hybrid materials, provide a large number of degrees of freedom in their framework composition, coordination environment, and chemically functionalized pores for the targeted design of improved proton carriers, functioning over a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions. Herein, our efforts have been emphasized on fundamental principles and different design strategies to achieve enhanced proton conductivity with appropriate examples. We also have discussed the modification mechanism of MOF-composite materials and mixed matrix membranes for commercial applications in FCs. Thus, this review aims to direct readers' attention towards the design strategies and structure-property relationship for proton transport in MOFs.

Enhancing Demulsification Performance for Oil-Water Separation through Encapsulating Ionic Liquids in the Pore of MIL-100(Fe)

Emulsion poses a greater challenge for the remediation of oily wastewater, which can be effectively resolved by the metal-organic framework of MIL-100(Fe). The formula Fe₃O(H₂O)₂(OH) (BTC)₂ pronounces that MIL-100(Fe) suffers from an intrinsic defect of less charged atoms, which limits its demulsification performance for oil-water separation. Herein, cations of the ionic liquid (1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium, Amim⁺) were encapsulated in the micropore of MIL-100(Fe) in situ to increase the positive charge density of MIL-100(Fe). Zeta potential demonstrated that the encapsulation of Amim⁺ increased the positive charge amount of MIL-100(Fe). N₂ probe isothermal adsorption/desorption and spectral measurements (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy, and attenuated total-reflectance infrared spectroscopy) revealed the host-guest interactions of π···Fe complexation and π···cation electrostatic attraction between Amim⁺ and MIL-100(Fe) for the composite materials. Amim⁺ encapsulation greatly enhanced the demulsification performance of MIL-100(Fe) for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion stabilized by sodium dodecyl sulfate. Amim⁺-encapsulated MIL-100(Fe) with an Amim⁺/Fe³⁺ molar ratio of 1:1 [Amim@MIL-100(Fe)-3:3] showed a demulsification efficiency (DE) of 94% within 30 s, compared with MIL-100(Fe) within 30 min. The maximum DE of Amim@MIL-100(Fe)-3:3 was found to be more than 98% within 5 min. The DE lost by MIL-100(Fe) at the third run decreased from 36 to 17% after encapsulating Amim⁺. The analysis of surface charge and interfacial tension implied a demulsification mechanism of capturing-fusion, which could be promoted by the greater electrostatic attraction. Finally, the role of Amim⁺ on the outstanding demulsification performance by Amim⁺-encapsulated MIL-100(Fe) could be explained by the enhanced nonbonded interaction of electrostatic attraction and van der Waals based on the molecular dynamics simulation.

Titanium Dioxide/Phosphorous-Functionalized Cellulose Acetate Nanocomposite Membranes for DMFC Applications: Enhancing Properties and Performance

This study intends to provide new TiO₂/phosphorous-functionalized cellulose acetate (Ph-CA) nanocomposite membranes for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). A series of TiO₂/Ph-CA membranes were fabricated via solution casting technique using a systematic variation of TiO₂ nanoparticle content. Chemical structure, morphological changes, and thermal properties of the as-fabricated nanocomposite membranes were investigated by FTIR, TGA, SEM, and AFM analysis tools. Further, membranes' performance, mechanical properties, water uptake, thermal-oxidative stability, and methanol permeability were also evaluated. The results clarified that the ion-exchange capacity (IEC) of the developed nanocomposite membranes improved and reached a maximum value of 1.13 and 2.01 m_eq/g at 25 and 80 °C, respectively, using TiO₂ loading of 5 wt % compared to 0.6 and 0.81 m_eq/g for pristine Ph-CA membrane at the same temperature. Moreover, the TiO₂/Ph-CA nanocomposite exhibited excellent thermal stability with appreciable mechanical properties (49.9 MPa). The developed membranes displayed a lower methanol permeability of 0.98 × 10^-16 cm² s^-1 compared to 1.14 × 10^-9 cm² s^-1 for Nafion 117. The obtained results suggested that the developed nanocomposite membranes could be potentially applied as promising polyelectrolyte membranes for possible use in DMFCs.

Sensitive detection of prostate-specific antigen based on dual signal amplification of Fc@MgAl-LDH and NH2-MIL-101(Fe)

An electrochemiluminescence sensor was proposed for detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) based on dual-amplification strategy of ferrocenecarboxylic acid@MgAl layered double hydroxides (Fc@MgAl-LDH) and NH₂-MIL-101(Fe). An (Au NPs/Fc@MgAl-LDH)_n multilayer nanofilm was fabricated by a layer-by-layer self-assembly between positively charged Fc@MgAl-LDH nanosheets and negatively charged Au NPs. The multilayer nanofilms acted as nanocarriers for antibody loading and enhancers to catalyze H₂O₂ decomposition. NH₂-MIL-101(Fe) promoted the production of reactive oxygen species due to peroxidase-mimicking activity and increased immobilization of antibodies. This sensor showed a linear detection range of 0.05 pg mL^-1 to 50 ng mL^-1 with a low detection limit of 0.034 pg mL^-1. Moreover, the detection results from this sensor were consistent with data collected from a commercial immunoassay analyzer. The sensor had significant potential for PSA detection in clinical diagnostics.

Performance enhancement of direct methanol fuel cells using a methanol barrier boron nitride–Nafion hybrid membrane

Sulfonated hexagonal boron nitride is explored as a potential filler to prepare Nafion hybrid membranes for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications.