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A Bipolar Membrane Containing Core-Shell Structured Fe3O4-Chitosan Nanoparticles for Direct Seawater Electrolysis
Hyeon-Bee Song1, Eun-Hye Jang1, Moon-Sung Kang1
1Department of Green Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sangmyung University, Cheonan 31066, Republic of Korea.
Membranes
|January 27, 2026
Summary
This study developed a novel bipolar membrane (BPM) using iron oxide-chitosan nanoparticles for efficient direct seawater electrolysis (DSWE). The enhanced BPM significantly boosts hydrogen production by preventing precipitate formation and improving water-splitting flux.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Sustainable Energy
Background:
- Seawater electrolysis offers a sustainable hydrogen source.
- Multivalent ions in seawater cause cathode precipitation, reducing direct seawater electrolysis (DSWE) efficiency.
- Bipolar membranes (BPMs) can mitigate precipitation by regulating pH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate a high-performance BPM for enhanced DSWE.
- To improve BPM water-splitting performance using a novel catalyst.
- To investigate the effect of catalyst loading on BPM efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles coated with cross-linked chitosan.
- Incorporated the core-shell catalyst into BPMs.
- Evaluated water-splitting flux and DSWE performance.
Main Results:
- The Fe3O4-chitosan catalyst showed excellent dispersibility and catalytic activity.
- Optimal catalyst loading was found to be approximately 3 μg cm⁻².
- The developed BPM achieved a 18.6% higher water-splitting flux than a commercial BPM.
- DSWE tests showed lower cell voltage and stable performance over 100 hours.
Conclusions:
- The Fe3O4-chitosan modified BPM effectively enhances DSWE efficiency and stability.
- This approach offers a promising solution for practical hydrogen production from seawater.
- The developed BPM technology contributes to advancing renewable energy solutions.
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