Bipolar membranes (BPMs) form a distinct category of ion-exchange membranes, comprising both a cation-exchange and an anion-exchange layer. This unique structure enables the generation of protons and hydroxide ions through a water dissociation mechanism. The exceptional properties of bipolar membranes have garnered interest across various sectors, including the (bio)chemical industry, food processing, environmental protection, and energy conversion and storage. Over the past two decades, extensive research and development efforts have resulted in a growing market, with commercial BPMs now available from multiple manufacturers. Furthermore, the technical, environmental, and economic advancements of BPMs compared to conventional processes for acid and base production or local pH control have accelerated their recognition and adoption.
While BPMs shows exciting potential across various fields, its market penetration remains limited. Many proposed applications are still in early development or confined to labs. A major challenge is declining conductivity in electrolyte solutions during continuous operation, forcing processes close to their limits. In some cases, batch-wise operation may be preferable. Continued research is vital to develop new membranes unlocking broader applications. Crucial properties for next-generation membranes include: High-current-density; Mechanical stability; Thermal stability; Selectivity; and Chemical stability in alkaline conditions. Thus, the focused goal of this Research Topic is to address these stated shortcomings of the BPMs.
Novel BPMs possessing elevated selectivity, a broad operating pH range, and robust mechanical strength are essential to explore untapped potential applications. Specifically, enhanced selectivity and improved thermal stability hold the potential to substantially enhance current applications by expanding the spectrum of operating conditions. This includes the ability to achieve higher concentrations of acids and bases, as well as the utilization of higher temperatures to optimize process performance. Therefore, this special issue aims to invite original research papers, state-of-the-art reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives showcasing, but not limited to, the following:
• Design and synthesis of novel BPMs for (bio)chemical, food, environment, and energy applications
• Modification of BPMs using advanced materials for their operation, stability, and selectivity
• Design and synthesis of BPMs with improved antifouling characteristics
• Progression in BPMs physico-chemical, electrochemical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics
• Progression, future, and applications of BPMs on their effective operation, stability, and selectivity
Keywords:
Bipolar membranes, Thermal stability, membrane selectivity, chemical stability, Ion-exchange membranes, High-current-density, Mechanical stability
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
Bipolar membranes (BPMs) form a distinct category of ion-exchange membranes, comprising both a cation-exchange and an anion-exchange layer. This unique structure enables the generation of protons and hydroxide ions through a water dissociation mechanism. The exceptional properties of bipolar membranes have garnered interest across various sectors, including the (bio)chemical industry, food processing, environmental protection, and energy conversion and storage. Over the past two decades, extensive research and development efforts have resulted in a growing market, with commercial BPMs now available from multiple manufacturers. Furthermore, the technical, environmental, and economic advancements of BPMs compared to conventional processes for acid and base production or local pH control have accelerated their recognition and adoption.
While BPMs shows exciting potential across various fields, its market penetration remains limited. Many proposed applications are still in early development or confined to labs. A major challenge is declining conductivity in electrolyte solutions during continuous operation, forcing processes close to their limits. In some cases, batch-wise operation may be preferable. Continued research is vital to develop new membranes unlocking broader applications. Crucial properties for next-generation membranes include: High-current-density; Mechanical stability; Thermal stability; Selectivity; and Chemical stability in alkaline conditions. Thus, the focused goal of this Research Topic is to address these stated shortcomings of the BPMs.
Novel BPMs possessing elevated selectivity, a broad operating pH range, and robust mechanical strength are essential to explore untapped potential applications. Specifically, enhanced selectivity and improved thermal stability hold the potential to substantially enhance current applications by expanding the spectrum of operating conditions. This includes the ability to achieve higher concentrations of acids and bases, as well as the utilization of higher temperatures to optimize process performance. Therefore, this special issue aims to invite original research papers, state-of-the-art reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives showcasing, but not limited to, the following:
• Design and synthesis of novel BPMs for (bio)chemical, food, environment, and energy applications
• Modification of BPMs using advanced materials for their operation, stability, and selectivity
• Design and synthesis of BPMs with improved antifouling characteristics
• Progression in BPMs physico-chemical, electrochemical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics
• Progression, future, and applications of BPMs on their effective operation, stability, and selectivity
Keywords:
Bipolar membranes, Thermal stability, membrane selectivity, chemical stability, Ion-exchange membranes, High-current-density, Mechanical stability
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.