Abstract
The unique functions of nanofibers (NFs) are based on their nanoscale cross-section, high specific surface area, and high molecular orientation, and/or their confined polymer chains inside the fibers. The introduction of ion-exchange (IEX) groups on the surface and/or inside the NFs provides de novo ion-exchangers. In particular, the combination of large surface areas and ionizable groups in the IEX-NFs improves their performance through indices such as extremely rapid ion-exchange kinetics and high ion-exchange capacities. In reality, the membranes based on ion-exchange NFs exhibit superior properties such as high catalytic efficiency, high ion-exchange and adsorption capacities, and high ionic conductivities. The present review highlights the fundamental aspects of IEX-NFs (i.e., their unique size-dependent properties), scalable production methods, and the recent advancements in their applications in catalysis, separation/adsorption processes, and fuel cells, as well as the future perspectives and endeavors of NF-based IEMs.
Highlights
Ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) comprise immobilized ionizable functional groups and oppositely charged ions that selectively exchange target ions
Based on the type of immobilized charge groups, IEMs are broadly classified into cationexchange membranes (CEMs) and anion-exchange membranes (AEMs)
We summarize the more recent advances in the application of IEMs, such as catalysis, membrane separation/adsorption, and fuel cells, and discuss the future perspectives and endeavors of NF-based IEMs
Summary
Ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) comprise immobilized ionizable functional groups and oppositely charged ions that selectively exchange target ions. The NF-based IEX membranes are generally divided in two categories: porous NF non-woven membranes and dense NF composite membranes The former type can be directly obtained from electrospinning or SBS. The porous NF non-woven membranes have several prominent properties such as a large specific surface area, high porosity, uniform nanoscale/microscale pore size distribution, and low tortuosity due to the interconnected pores formed between the fibers [8,36]. These unique features are vital for their applications as catalyst and separation/adsorption membranes.
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