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Fabrication and Characterization of Anionic Composite Membranes Produced by Electrospinning Method
Somayyeh Rakhshani1,2, Rodolfo Araneo1, Luis Alexander Hein2
1Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, La Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy.
Polymers
|June 27, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a new, cost-effective anion-exchange membrane (AEM) for water electrolyzers using electrospinning. This polysulfone-based membrane shows promise for efficient green hydrogen production.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Efficient and durable anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) are critical for electrochemical energy technologies like water electrolyzers.
- Current AEMs can be costly, hindering widespread adoption in applications such as green hydrogen production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel method for fabricating AEMs using electrospinning of a polysulfone (PSU) matrix.
- To evaluate the performance of these electrospun AEMs for potential use in water electrolysis.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a polysulfone (PSU) nanofibrous matrix via electrospinning.
- Post-activation of the electrospun matrix with an ionomer solution containing quaternary ammonium (QA) functional groups.
- Comparison of the electrospun AEM's performance against a benchmark membrane (activated Celgard 3401).
Main Results:
- The electrospun AEM demonstrated ionic conductivity and electrochemical performance comparable to the benchmark membrane.
- The polysulfone-based electrospun membrane offers a potentially scalable and cost-effective alternative to commercial AEMs.
- While mechanical strength was lower than the commercial support, electrochemical characteristics were promising.
Conclusions:
- Electrospinning of PSU is a feasible method for producing AEMs suitable for water electrolysis.
- This approach presents a viable, economically scalable strategy for future hydrogen production technologies.
- The developed AEMs show potential for advancing green hydrogen production through AEM water electrolysis.
