Fluorine-Free Ion Exchange Membranes for (Photo)electrochemical Applications
Dzenna Zukova, Martin D. Hager, Felix H. Schacher, Roel van de Krol, Ulrich S. Schubert, Marco Favaro

TL;DR
This paper reviews fluorine-free ion exchange membranes as sustainable alternatives to traditional fluorinated ones for photoelectrochemical energy systems.
Contribution
The paper provides a comprehensive review of fluorine-free ion exchange membranes for (photo)electrochemical applications.
Findings
Fluorine-free membranes can match fluorinated ones in ionic conductivity and durability.
Emerging materials address environmental and economic concerns of traditional membranes.
Characterization methods and performance metrics are crucial for evaluating fluorine-free alternatives.
Abstract
The increasing global demand for sustainable energy solutions has driven significant advancements in photoelectrochemical (PEC) technologies, particularly for hydrogen production and biomass valorization. A key challenge for PEC cells is the selection of ion exchange membranes (IEMs) that ensure efficient product separation between anode and cathode half-cells while enabling efficient ion transport. Moreover, these membranes also need to show long-term stability. Traditionally, perfluorinated membranes such as Nafion have been widely used due to their high proton conductivity and chemical resilience. However, their high cost, environmental concerns, and the impending regulatory restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances necessitate the development of fluorine-free alternatives. This review explores the latest advancements in fluorine-free IEMs for (photo)electrochemical…
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Taxonomy
TopicsFuel Cells and Related Materials · Membrane-based Ion Separation Techniques · Advanced battery technologies research
