Preparation and Characterization of a Bipolar Membrane Modified by Copper Phthalocyanine 16-Carboxylic Acid and Acetyl Ferrocene

High-Performance Bipolar Membrane Development for Improved Water Dissociation

Bipolar membranes (BPMs) are the enabling component of many promising electrochemical devices used for separation and energy conversion. Here, we describe the development of high-performance BPMs, including two-dimensional BPMs (2D BPMs) prepared by hot-pressing two preformed membranes and three-dimensional BPMs (3D BPMs) prepared by electrospinning ionomer solutions and polyethylene oxide. Graphene oxide (GOx) was introduced into the BPM junction as a water-dissociation catalyst. We assessed electrochemical performance of the prepared BPMs by voltage-current (V-I) curves and galvanostatic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. We found the optimal GOx loading in 2D BPMs to be 100 μg cm-2, which led to complete coverage of GOx at the interface. The integration of GOx beyond this loading moderately improved electrochemical performance but significantly compromised mechanical strength. GOx-catalyzed 2D BPMs showed comparable performance with a commercially available Fumasep BPM at current densities up to 500 mA cm-2. The 3D BPMs exhibited even better performance: lower resistance and higher efficiency for water dissociation and substantially higher stability under repeated cycling up to high current densities. The improved electrochemical performance and mechanical stability of the 3D BPMs make them suitable for incorporation into CO2 electrolysis devices where high current densities are necessary.

Development of 4-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4-methyl-morpholinium chloride cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose films

First example of the use of 4-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4-methyl-morpholinium chloride (DMTMM) as cross-linking agent for the development of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) films for food packaging is reported. Influence of different wt % of DMTMM and glycerol on the physical-mechanical properties of CMC films was investigated. The presence of DMTMM effectively improved moisture uptake, moisture content, water vapour permeability, water solubility of the films, oil resistance together with good biodegradability. Best compromise between high water resistance, vapour permeability and mechanical properties was accomplished with 5 wt % DMTMM and 50 wt % glycerol giving tensile strength and elongation at break of 52.25 ± 4.33 and 37.32 ± 2.04 respectively. DSC, TGA and SEM analysis further confirmed CMC cross-linking by DMTMM. All films prepared showed low opacity and high transparencies. Therefore, data reported show that DMTMM can efficiently cross-link CMC to produce films for food packaging.