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Polyelectrolyte coatings for ion-exchange membranes in electrodialysis
- By Frontis Energy
- 12/01/2026
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Ion exchange membranes are key components for various electrochemical technologies in water treatment and energy storage, such as electrodialysis, membrane electrolysis, and flow batteries. These membranes are characterized by a high concentration of charged groups, which can be either cationic (positively charged) or anionic (negatively charged). The function of an ion exchange membrane is to facilitate the transport of counterions while limiting the loss of water and co-ions. The efficiency of cation exchange membranes is affected by unwanted co-ion and water transport. The transport of h..
Sulfonated clay and carbon nanotubes Nafion™-based proton exchange membranes
- By Frontis Energy
- 23/12/2025
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The demand for sustainable energy has accelerated the development of electrochemical systems for energy conversion. This includes, in particular, proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). PEMFCs offer numerous advantages, including high energy density, low operating temperatures, fast start-up times, and compact design. These characteristics make them especially suitable for mobile and decentralized energy applications. The development of high-performance proton exchange membranes is crucial for the advancement of fuel cell technology, particularly under demanding operating conditions. ..
Conducting polymers for sustainable water treatment and energy
- By Frontis Energy
- 11/12/2025
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DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.24586.94404 Carbon based materials have a broad range of applications such as energy storage and conversion, electronics, nanotechnology, water purification, and catalysis. They are made of an element which is available everywhere. In recent times, the electrochemical features of carbon-based electrodes are being enhanced by using conducting polymers. Carbon cloth, woven from carbon microfibers, serves as a promising carbon-based electrode, which acts as a durable and cost-effective medium for facilitating electrochemical reactions that degrade pollutants and improve..
Stability of anion exchange membranes for electrolysis
- By Frontis Energy
- 01/12/2025
- 0 comments
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.13818.56004 Energy security and climate change are among the greatest challenges of our time. To reduce dependence on fossil fuels, renewable energy sources are emerging as key solutions for sustainable energy production. To this end, scalable solutions are essential for storing and transporting renewable energy. Hydrogen produced in water electrolyzers and reconverted into electricity in fuel cells can help balance the seasonal variability of renewable energy. Fuel cells have the potential to significantly contribute to the decarbonization of the transport sector. T..
Advancing wastewater sustainability: Nafion™-powered ammonium recovery
- By Chizoba Ezugwu
- 25/10/2025
- 0 comments
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.25254.59202 With global population growth and the resulting increase in environmental stress, the need for sustainable wastewater treatment is becoming ever more urgent. Traditional methods focus on removing pollutants but often overlook the opportunity to recover valuable resources. One such resource is ammonium. This nitrogen-containing molecule promotes growth and is a key component of fertilizers. When mishandled, such as through over-fertilization, ammonium becomes one of the main contributors to nitrogen pollution. A promising solution lies in bioelectrica..
Rainwater Harvesting for a Circular Economy in Water Management
- By Chizoba Ezugwu
- 26/09/2025
- 0 comments
Water is not only a vital resource, but also indispensable for agriculture, industry, public health, and urban infrastructure. However, this essential resource is increasingly under pressure worldwide. Climate change, population growth, and poor management practices have led to reduced water availability and declining quality. Extreme weather events such as droughts, heatwaves, and falling river levels are occurring more frequently, threatening ecosystems, food production, and economic stability. In response, governments, researchers, and businesses are developing innovative strategies to prot..
Transforming Water Systems with Scalable Membrane Solutions
- By Chizoba Ezugwu
- 13/08/2025
- 0 comments
In a world increasingly defined by the need for cleaner processes, sustainable production, and advanced materials, membrane technology has emerged as a key enabler across multiple industries from water purification and energy generation to chemical separation and bioprocessing. Its high selectivity, compact footprint, and low energy requirements make it indispensable in meeting both environmental and performance demands. At the heart of membrane fabrication lies a well-established method known as non-solvent-induced phase separation. This technique involves casting a polymer solution into a..
Advances in Ammonium Recovery with Bioelectrical Systems
- By Chizoba Ezugwu
- 10/07/2025
- 0 comments
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.16014.22082 In recent decades, the focus of wastewater treatment has shifted from mere disposal to the recovery of valuable resources. This approach aims to harness energy and nutrients found in wastewater. Among emerging technologies are bioelectrical systems, which can recover not only energy and carbon but also valuable compounds like ammonium. Nitrogen bound in ammonium is a key component of fertilizers. Today, two-thirds of this resource are produced through the highly energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process using natural gas extracted from air. Fertilizer production ..
Improved membrane configurations for capacitive flow-electrode desalination
-974x385.jpg "Improved membrane configurations for capacitive flow-electrode desalination")
- By Chizoba Ezugwu
- 19/06/2025
- 0 comments
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.19476.16002 With the growing global scarcity of drinking water, the demand for practical and energy-efficient desalination methods is on the rise. Among potential solutions are osmotic desalination methods like capacitive deionization and its advanced form, flow-electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI). Flow electrodes are streaming electrodes composed of conductive particles suspended in a liquid. When electrically charged, these particles behave like capacitors and gain capacitive properties. In flow-electrode deionization, flowable carbon electrodes are combi..
Electrolytic water splitting for binders in building material
- By Chizoba Ezugwu
- 18/05/2025
- 0 comments
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.27780.18562 The oceans are rich in magnesium resources, which that could be used in the production of construction materials. Sorel cement (magnesium cement), for example, can be used in interior building applications as an alternative to screed. Extracting magnesium from seawater traditionally requires a highly energy-intensive calcination process to isolate magnesium oxide (magnesia). The innovative method of electrolysis-controlled water splitting can bypass this process, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions. To obtain the precursor of magnesia, magnesiu..