Transparent Bipolar Membrane for Water Splitting Applications

This study describes the use of a benzimidazolium-based anion exchange membrane for creating bipolar membranes and the assessment of their suitability for solar-driven water splitting. Bipolar membranes were prepared by laminating anion exchange membrane with Nafion NR-211 membrane without modification of the interface. Under acidic and basic conditions, proton and hydroxide ion conductivities of 103 and 102 mS cm^-1 were obtained for Nafion and benzimidazolium-based membranes, respectively. The fabricated bipolar membranes have an average thickness of 90 μm and show high transmittance, up to 75% of the visible light. The findings suggest that the two membranes create a sharp hydrophilic interface with a space charge region of only a few nanometers, thereby generating a large electric field at the interface that enhances water dissociation.