Ion Exchange Membranes and Electrochemical Membrane Processes for Sustainable Energy Conversion and Separations.

Ion exchange membranes (IEMs) have today consolidated applications in several strategic fields. IEMs are efficiently used in energy conversion and storage systems, such as fuel cells (FCs) and battery separators, as well as in separation processes like electrodialysis (ED). Moreover, with regard to addressing the global need for non-carbon-based and renewable energies, salinity-gradient power (SGP) harvesting by reverse electrodialysis (RED) and capacitive mixing (CAPMIX) has been attracting significant interest in recent years. However, the major limitation of all these processes is the availability of high-performing and durable membranes and other key components (e.g., spacers, electrodes, electrocatalysts) at an acceptable cost. From this perspective, nanoscience and nanotechnology might play a key role in bringing performance advances and industrial scale-up opportunities. Although membrane-based operations are generally considered green and sustainable by themselves, it is frequently overlooked that membrane fabrication is quite far from green (e.g., use of substances of very high concern). Therefore, there is great attention today on developing innovative production protocols to make industrial membrane production more environmentally friendly. This Special Issue is devoted to the numerous key aspects of IEMs and membrane processes, including modeling, for sustainable energy conversion and separations. Academic and industrial scientists working in these fields are strongly encouraged to submit their original works or reviews for publication in this Special Issue.