Review on crossover minimization and catalytic layer-promoted water dissociation in bipolar membranes

Fanxu Meng, Dongbo Cheng, Meng Lin, Kuichang Zuo and Zishuai Bill Zhang

Applied Energy, 2025, vol. 394, issue C, No S0306261925009067

Abstract: Bipolar membranes (BPMs) present a promising solution to reduce the ion and molecule crossover without substantial increases in the full cell voltage within water and CO2 electrolyzers. The catalytic layer, positioned between an anion and cation exchange membrane within a BPM, is considered as the pivotal component influencing the water dissociation (WD) process and therefore the transmembrane voltage drop. Delving into the catalytic layer, this Review dissects the impact of descriptors, including thickness, electrical conductivity, hydrophilicity, pKa, oxygenated functional groups, and surface hydroxyl coverage, on WD by coupling reported studies with the Multiphysics model analysis. We observed that the role of oxygenated functional groups towards WD is highly controversial and lacks sufficient experimental evidence. The Review emphasizes the significance of collaborative efforts to develop standardized protocols for BPM fabrications and measurements and advocates the establishment of systematic guidelines on optimizing the catalytic layer to advance BPM technology in the energy field.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.126176

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