Membrane Conductance Research Articles

Astrocytic NHERF-1 Increases Seizure Susceptibility by Inhibiting Surface Expression of TREK-1.

Mature hippocampal astrocytes exhibit a linear current-to-voltage (I-V) K+ membrane conductance called passive conductance. It is estimated to enable astrocytes to keep potassium homeostasis in the brain. We previously reported that the TWIK-1/TREK-1 heterodimeric channels are crucial for astrocytic passive conductance. However, the regulatory mechanism of these channels by other binding proteins remains elusive. Here, we identified Na+/H+ exchange regulator-1 (NHERF-1), a protein highly expressed in astrocytes, as a novel interaction partner for these channels. NHERF-1 endogenously bound to TWIK-1/TREK-1 in hippocampal cultured astrocytes. When NHERF-1 is overexpressed or silenced, surface expression and activity of TWIK-1/TREK-1 heterodimeric channels are inhibited or enhanced, respectively. Furthermore, we confirmed that reduced astrocytic passive conductance by NHERF-1 overexpressing in the hippocampus increases kainic acid (KA)-induced seizure sensitivity. Taken together, these results suggest that NHERF-1 is a key regulator of TWIK-1/TREK-1 heterodimeric channels in astrocytes and suppression of TREK-1 surface expression by NHERF-1 increases KA-induced seizure susceptibility via reduction of astrocytic passive conductance.

Polypyrrole-bound carbon nanotube conductive polysulfone membranes for self-cleaning of fouling

A novel conductive membrane, polypyrrole carbon nanotubes polysulfone (PPy-CNT-PSF), was successfully synthesized using the membrane phase infiltration in-situ polymerization method (MPIP). The resulting PPy-CNT-PSF, utilized as an anode in the electrochemical filtration reactor, exhibited a chain-like morphology of PPy extending from within to the exterior of the PSF membrane, effectively anchoring the CNT layer on its surface and establishing a stable conductive network with a surface resistance of 0.142 ± 0.052 kΩ/cm. Its electrical conductivity surpasses that of most conductive membranes derived from pyrrole (Py). Furthermore, the structural integrity of this conductive membrane remained intact following exposure to chlorine. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis revealed a subtle redox peak with no significant alteration in surface structure after 50 CV cycles. This reaction can be attributed to a Fenton-like reaction process due to Fe presence detected by EDX on the surface. Current-time curves under constant potential further confirmed that the PPy-CNT-PSF conductive membrane possesses both a stable conductive network and favorable electrode stability. Additionally, self-cleaning occurred when voltage was applied during electrochemical experiments utilizing a conductive membrane anode paired with a Ti cathode due to electrostatic repulsive forces. At an applied voltage of 20 V, removal efficiency and flux restoration achieved values of 97.63 % and 100 %, respectively. This straightforward yet effective approach is believed to hold promise for fabricating conductive membranes characterized by structural stability and electrode reliability for practical applications aimed at mitigating membrane fouling.

Hydrocarbon-based composite membranes containing sulfonated Poly(arylene thioether sulfone)-grafted 2D crown ether framework coordinated with cerium ions for PEMFC applications

We propose a novel strategy to develop sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (SPAES) composite membranes that can simultaneously improve the physicochemical stability and proton conductivity of hydrocarbon-based membranes for PEMFC applications. This strategy involves the use of a sulfonated poly(arylene thioether sulfone)-grafted 2D crown ether framework coordinated with cerium3+ ions (SATS–C2O–Ce) as a promising filler material. SATS-C2O, a highly sulfonated polymer-grafted 2D framework containing crown ether holes in its skeletal structure, was prepared via self-condensation using halogenated phloroglucinol as a multifunctional building unit to form C2O, followed by condensation using SATS to graft the sulfonated polymer onto its edge. Ce3+ ions were directly coordinated within the crown ether holes of SATS-C2O via a simple doping process using aqueous Ce solution. The SPAES composite membranes containing SATS–C2O–Ce (SPAES/SATS–C2O–Ce) exhibited exceptional dimensional stability and mechanical toughness. The remarkable chemical stability of SPAES/SATS–C2O–Ce compared to that of pristine SPAES and SPAES/Ce (containing the same amount of Ce3+ ions but without SATS-C2O) was attributed to the well-dispersed state of Ce3+ ions within the SPAES matrix. Furthermore, the enhanced proton conductivity of SPAES/SATS–C2O–Ce surpassed those of pristine SPAES, SPAES/C2O, and SPAES/Ce by the formation of additional proton-conducting channels provided by the sulfonic acid groups of SATS–C2O–Ce, along with the improved water uptake capability of SPAES.

Polymeric ionic liquids and piperidinium synergistically improve proton conductivity and acid retention of polybenzimidazole-based proton exchange membranes

Amino-type polybenzimidazole is prepared, then ionic liquid with three nitrogen positive sites ([CTDTr]Br3) is polymerized into polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) by in-situ radical polymerization, and AmPBI-CTDTr-Px membranes were prepared by piperidinium (PPd) and [CTDTr]Br3 combination to cross-linked with AmPBI. Following treatment with KOH and phosphoric acid (PA), the ion pairs (N+ - H2PO4-) generated in the composite membrane system can enhance proton conductivity and facilitate proton transport. The AmPBI-CTDTr-Px membranes shown exceptional PA retention as a result of the alkaline properties of both [CTDTr]Br3 and PPd, which can engage in acid-base interactions with phosphoric acid. Specifically, the proton conductivity of AmPBI-CTDTr-P5 at 180 °C is 129.7 mS cm-1, which is 2.52 times that of pure membranes. Acid retention of AmPBI-CTDTr-P5 at 80 °C/40% RH and 160 °C are 64.4% and 84%.

Revealing synergistic relationship of thermal conduction and electromagnetic shielding of reduced graphene oxide film

The present work tries to explore the evolution process of electro-magnetic interference shielding effectiveness and thermal conductivity of graphene film. There is an obvious promotion of electrical conductivity (from 3.51×10-3 to 769.20 S m-1) when GO is thermally reduced at 1100°C. Correspondingly, the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) achieves the highest EMI shielding effectiveness (∼54.84 dB) at 1100°C which is an synergetic result of electrical conductivity and porous structure with rich defects. The rGO is furtherly graphitized at 2800°C (G-rGO) to repair the defects and C-C network and then mechanically rolled to a densified film with bulk density of 1.64 g cm-3 (called as DG-rGO). The thermal conductivity of DG-rGO membrane increases to 720.56 W m-1 K-1 after graphitization and rolling. Porous structure and defects are beneficial to higher EMI shielding effectiveness while dense structure without defects lead to higher thermal conductivity. Therefore, the highest EMI shielding effectiveness and thermal conductivity cannot be obtained simultaneously. A reference range is provided to fulfill the request of EMI shielding and thermal conductivity.

AgNWs self-assembly along coaxially electrospun SEBS-PVP core-sheath fibers for stretchable conductive membranes with low interfacial losses

In this paper, core-sheath fibers with poly(styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene) triblock copolymer (SEBS) as the core layer and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) of different molecular weights as the sheath layer were prepared by coaxial electrospinning. Amphiphilic triblock copolymers were added to the SEBS core layer, and the fusion of incompatible SEBS-PVP at the core-sheath interface was further promoted by appropriate solvent post-treatment. Polydopamine (PDA) was in situ polymerized on the surface of SEBS-PVP fibers, so that silver nanowires (AgNWs) with high aspect ratios were conformally self-assembled along the fibers to form good interfacial bonding, so that the SEBS-PVP/AgNW composite membrane has high conductivity and exhibits good interfacial transfer effect in cyclic stretching under large strain. Based on core-sheath nanofibers and self-assembly, the excellent interfacial transfer gives SEBS-PVP/AgNW low viscoelastic loss, integrated large tensile strain sensing and stable Joule heating effect, which is conducive to the development and application of multifunctional stretchable electronics.

Superselective Hydrogen Separation through a Mixed Conducting Graphene Oxide Membrane.

A cost-effective H2 separation method is required for the purification of gaseous mixtures containing H2. Thus, in this study, we investigate the H2 separation properties of Ce ion-doped partially reduced graphene oxide (prGO) membranes. Pt/C-catalyst-coated, dense, micrometer-thick membranes are fabricated by stacking Ce-prGO nanosheets, followed by thermal annealing. They are permeable to only H2 at room temperature. H2 permeation occurs based on mixed conduction; the H2 initially dissociates into protons and electrons at the feed side. Thereafter, they diffuse into the membrane and recombine to produce H2 at the permeate side. However, the diffusion of other molecules, such as He and CO2, is inhibited, resulting in superselective separation. The developed carbon-based mixed proton/electron conduction (MPEC) membrane can be employed for H2 capture, deuterium gas production from D2O, and organic molecule deuteration.

Electric Demulsification Membrane Technology for Confined Separation of Oil-Water Emulsions.

Demulsification technology for separation of oil-water (O/W) emulsions, especially those stabilized by surfactants, is urgently needed yet remains highly challenging due to their inherent stability characteristics. Electrocoalescence has emerged as a promising solution owing to its simplicity, efficacy, and versatility, yet hindered by substantial energy consumption (e.g., >50 kWh/m3) along with undesirable Faradic reactions. Herein, we propose an innovative electric demulsification technology that leverages conductive membrane microchannels to confine oil droplets from the oil-water emulsion for achieving high energy-efficient coalescence of oil droplets. The proposed system reduces the required voltage down to 12 V, 2 orders of magnitude lower than that of conventional electrocoalescence systems, while achieving a similar separation efficacy of 91.4 ± 3.0% at a low energy consumption (3 kWh/m3) and an ultrahigh permeability >3000 L/(m2·h·bar). In situ fluorescence microscopy combined with COMSOL simulations provided insight into the fundamental mechanistic steps of an electric demulsification process confined to membrane microchannels: (1) rapid electric-field redistribution of oil droplet surfactant molecules, (2) enhanced collision probability due to confined oil droplet concentration under dielectrophoretic forces, and (3) increased collision efficacy facilitated by the membrane pore structure. This strategy may revolutionize the next generation of demulsification and oil-water separation innovations.

A Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Membrane for PEM Fuel Cells Using Bacterial Cellulose.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is an advantageous polymer due to its renewable nature, low cost, environmental compatibility, biocompatibility, biodegradability, chemical stability, and ease of modification. With these advantages, BC is an interesting candidate for the development of novel eco-friendly materials for proton-exchange membrane (PEM) applications. However, its practical applications have been limited by its relatively high dispersion in water, which usually occurs during the operation of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In addition, the proton conductivity of bacterial cellulose is poor. In this study, functionalized BC modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) was prepared using a solvent casting method to enhance its performance. The results showed that the water stability of the modified BC membrane was significantly improved, with the contact angle increasing from 54.9° to 103.3°. Furthermore, the optimum ratio of BC and APTES was used to prepare a proton-exchange membrane with a maximum proton conductivity of 62.2 mS/cm, which exhibited a power generation performance of 4.85 mW/cm2 in PEMFCs. It is worth mentioning that modified BC membranes obtained by combining an alkaline proton carrier (-NH2) with BC have rarely been reported. As fully bio-based conductive membranes for PEMFCs, they have the potential to be a low-cost, eco-friendly, and degradable alternative to expensive, ecologically problematic fluoric ionomers in short-term or disposable applications, such as biodegradable electronics and portable power supplies.

Recovering nutrients and unblocking the cake layer of an electrochemical anaerobic membrane bioreactor

The sustainable development strategy shifts water treatment from pollution removal to resource recovery. Here, an electrochemical resource-recovery anaerobic membrane bioreactor (eRAnMBR) that employed a magnesium plate and conductive membrane as dual anodes is presented and shows excellent performance in carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus recovery, as well as 95% membrane anti-fouling. The Mg2+ released alters the physicochemical properties of sludge, unblocking the cake layer, and recovers ammonium and phosphate, yielding 60.64% purity and 0.08 g d−1 struvite deposited onto cathode to be separated from sludge. The enhanced direct interspecies electron transfer, along with hydrogen evolution and alkalinity increase due to the electrochemical reactions, significantly increase methane yield and purity (93.97%) of the eRAnMBR. This increased internal energy can cover the additional electricity and electrode consumption. This integrated eRAnMBR reactor boasts the benefits of short process, low maintenance, and low carbon footprint, introducing a concept for the next generation of wastewater treatment.

Numerical assessments of geometry, proximity and multi-electrode effects on electroporation in mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum to nanosecond electric pulses

Most simulations of electric field driven bioeffects have considered spherical cellular geometries or probed symmetrical structures for simplicity. This work assesses cellular transmembrane potential build-up and electroporation in a Jurkat cell that includes the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, both of which have complex shapes, in response to external nanosecond electric pulses. The simulations are based on a time-domain nodal analysis that incorporates membrane poration utilizing the Smoluchowski model with angular-dependent changes in membrane conductivity. Consistent with prior experimental reports, the simulations show that the ER requires the largest electric field for electroporation, while the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) is the easiest membrane to porate. Our results suggest that the experimentally observed increase in intracellular calcium could be due to a calcium induced calcium release (CICR) process that is initiated by outer cell membrane breakdown. Repeated pulsing and/or using multiple electrodes are shown to create a stronger poration. The role of mutual coupling, screening, and proximity effects in bringing about electric field modifications is also probed. Finally, while including greater geometric details might refine predictions, the qualitative trends are expected to remain.

Flexible Highly Thermally Conductive PCM Film Prepared by Centrifugal Electrospinning for Wearable Thermal Management

Personal thermal management materials integrated with phase-change materials have significant potential to satisfy human thermal comfort needs and save energy through the efficient storage and utilization of thermal energy. However, conventional organic phase-change materials in a solid state suffer from rigidity, low thermal conductivity, and leakage, making their application challenging. In this work, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was chosen as the phase-change material to provide the energy storage density, polyethylene oxide (PEO) was chosen to provide the backbone structure of the three-dimensional polymer network and cross-linked with the PEG to provide flexibility, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used to improve the mechanical and thermal conductivity of the material. The thermal conductivity of the composite fiber membranes was boosted by 77.1% when CNTs were added at 4 wt%. Water-resistant modification of the composite fiber membranes was successfully performed using glutaraldehyde-saturated steam. The resulting composite fiber membranes had a reasonable range of phase transition temperatures, and the CC4PCF-55 membranes had melting and freezing latent heats of 66.71 J/g and 64.74 J/g, respectively. The results of this study prove that the green CC4PCF-55 composite fiber membranes have excellent flexibility, with good thermal energy storage capacity and thermal conductivity and, therefore, high potential in the field of flexible wearable thermal management textiles.

Reduced K+ build-up in t-tubules contributes to resistance of the diaphragm to myotonia.

Patients with myotonia congenita suffer from slowed muscle relaxation caused by hyperexcitability. The diaphragm is only mildly affected in myotonia congenita; discovery of the mechanism underlying its resistance to myotonia could identify novel therapeutic targets. Intracellular recordings from two mouse models of myotonia congenita revealed the diaphragm had less myotonia than either the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) or the soleus muscles. A mechanism contributing to resistance of the diaphragm to myotonia was reduced depolarization of the interspike membrane potential during repetitive firing of action potentials, a process driven by build-up of K+ in small invaginations of muscle membrane known as t-tubules. We explored differences between diaphragm and EDL that might underlie reduction of K+ build-up in diaphragm t-tubules. Smaller size of diaphragm fibres, which promotes diffusion of K+ out of t-tubules, was identified as a contributor. Intracellular recording revealed slower repolarization of action potentials in diaphragm suggesting reduced Kv conductance. Higher resting membrane conductance was identified suggesting increased Kir conductance. Computer simulation found that a reduction of Kv conductance had little effect on K+ build-up whereas increased Kir conductance lessened build-up, although the effect was modest. Our data and computer simulation suggest opening of K+ channels during action potentials has little effect on K+ build-up whereas opening of K+ channels during the interspike interval slightly lessens K+ build-up. We conclude that activation of K+ channels may lessen myotonia by opposing depolarization to action potential threshold without worsening K+ build-up in t-tubules. KEY POINTS: In mouse models of the muscle disease myotonia congenita, the diaphragm has much less myotonia (muscle stiffness) than the extensor digitorum longus or soleus muscles. Identifying why the diaphragm is resistant to myotonia may help in developing novel therapy. We found the reason the diaphragm has less myotonia is that it is less prone to depolarization caused by K+ build-up in t-tubules during repetitive firing of action potentials. Smaller fibre size contributes to resistance to K+ build-up with differences in K+ currents playing little role. Our data suggest drugs that open K+ channels may be effective in treating myotonia as they may lessen excitability without worsening K+ build-up in t-tubules.

8538 Pancreatic Islet Adaptations to Hyperglycemia Are Prevented by Glycolytic Inhibition and Amplified by Inhibiting Membrane Depolarization

Abstract Disclosure: N.B. Whitticar: None. B.P. List: None. N. Bruce: None. R. Bertram: None. C.S. Nunemaker: None. Long before type 2 diabetes ensues, pancreatic islets undergo functional changes to compensate for increasing insulin resistance. Primarily, the islets increase their ability to secrete insulin by augmenting the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) pathway. As metabolic syndrome worsens, islets become functionally exhausted, leading to cellular dysfunction and apoptosis. To avoid the negative consequences of this compensatory response, various steps of the GSIS pathway can be attenuated to restore normal functional levels before the islets fail. Determining which inhibitors can prevent the earliest adaptations to hyperglycemia may reveal the processes that play a causal role in islet failure. The chemicals mannoheptulose (MH), diazoxide (DZ), and nifedipine (NP) were chosen to inhibit the glucokinase enzyme, KATP-channel closure, and voltage-gated calcium channels, respectively. CD-1 mouse islets were placed in 20 mM glucose to simulate hyperglycemia along with a concentration of each inhibitory drug that reduced insulin secretion by 30-40%. After 48-hour treatment, glucose-stimulated calcium tests were performed to determine if the treatments could prevent the negative adaptation to hyperglycemia. Only islets treated with MH to reduce glycolytic activity maintained a normal calcium response. Islets in the MH group also retained a strong insulin response to glucose and were not depleted of insulin content. Unexpectedly, inhibition of calcium influx and insulin secretion with DZ or NF caused a substantial increase in basal insulin secretion compared to islets in standard culture (P<0.01, n=6; P=0.06, n=6, respectively). These results indicate that the signaling pathway that causes the adaptation to hyperglycemia lies upstream of KATP channels and downstream of glucokinase. Mathematical modeling using the Integrated Oscillator Model was able to replicate our results and suggests that high rates of glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolism are associated with the signal that adapts islets to hyperglycemia, and that reducing intracellular calcium in the face of high glucose further increases basal insulin secretion. Ongoing studies will determine if metabolic acceleration or altered membrane conductance are responsible for the earliest islet adaptations to hyperglycemia. Our results suggest that reducing metabolic activity, but not calcium influx, prevents adaptations to hyperglycemia in mouse islets. These findings can be applied to potentially prevent the progression of obesity and hyperinsulinemia into type 2 diabetes. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Fabrication of flexible multifunctional graphene-based composite membrane with improved hydrophobicity and thermal conductivity characters for thermal management

The lifetime of electronic devices in complex environments is affected by the impact of high temperature water vapor on their performance. Equipping electronic devices with superhydrophobic properties and improved thermal conductivity will be the strategy of the future. In this paper, a surface material with high thermal conductivity and superhydrophobic properties is explored to address the problem of electronic device failure caused by heat and water vapor. To solve this problem, anti-temperature superhydrophobicity can be obtained by spraying alumina/nano-silicon carbide/thermoplastic elastomer composite powder (Al2O3/nano-SiC/SEBS) modified with 1 H,1 H,2 H,2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (POTS) on graphene membranes. A spherical Al2O3/nano-SiC composite superhydrophobic coating (ASS-GM) was formed on the surface of graphene-based composite membranes by spraying method. The results showed that the optimal ratio was m(Al2O3): m(SiC) = 8:1, and the static water contact angle of the coating was 162 ± 2.5°, and the surface energy was reduced. The ASS-GM significantly improves the thermal conductivity and superhydrophobicity of graphene-based composite membranes, achieving a double improvement in performance. The coating also offers excellent self-cleaning and antifouling properties compared to other materials. The ASS-GM is able to maintain a certain hydrophobicity angle (156 ± 1.5°) in harsh environments. This work provides practical applications for electronic coatings, which are important for improving the overall reliability and durability of electronic products.

Cross-Linking of Bromo-Pillar[5]arenes and Sulfonated Poly(Aryl Ether Ketone Sulfone) Enhances Proton Conductivity of Membranes at Low Ion Exchange Capacity

Cross-Linking of Bromo-Pillar[5]arenes and Sulfonated Poly(Aryl Ether Ketone Sulfone) Enhances Proton Conductivity of Membranes at Low Ion Exchange Capacity

Measurement and analysis of ionic leakage profiles in refrigerated human red blood cells using dielectrophoresis and inductively coupled mass spectroscopy.

Human red blood cells (RBCs) undergo ionic leakage through passive diffusion during refrigerated storage, affecting their quality and health. We investigated the dynamics of ionic leakage in human RBCs over a 20-day refrigerated storage period using extracellular ion quantification and dielectrophoresis (DEP). Four type O- human blood donors were examined to assess the relationship between extracellular ion concentrations (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and Fe2+), RBC cytoplasm conductivity, and membrane conductance. A consistent negative correlation between RBC cytoplasm conductivity and membrane conductance, termed the "ionic leakage profile" (ILP), was observed across the 20-day storage period. Specifically, we noted a gradual decline in DEP-measured RBC cytoplasm conductivity alongside an increase in membrane conductance. Further examination of the electrical origins of this ILP using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry revealed a relative decrease in extracellular Na+ concentration and an increase in K+ concentration over the storage period. Correlation of these extracellular ion concentrations with DEP-measured RBC electrical properties demonstrated a direct link between changes in the cytoplasmic and membrane domains and the leakage and transport of K+ and Na+ ions across the cell membrane. Our analysis suggests that the inverse correlation between RBC cytoplasm and membrane conductance is primarily driven by the passive diffusion of K+ from the cytoplasm and the concurrent diffusion of Na+ from the extracellular buffer into the membrane, resulting in a conductive reduction in the cytoplasmic domain and a subsequent increase in the membrane. The ILP's consistent negative trend across all donors suggests that it could serve as a metric for quantifying blood bank storage age, predicting the quality and health of refrigerated RBCs.

Improving thermal stability and electrochemical performance of polymer solid electrolyte membranes with a novel TiO2@PA-APP composite additive

Polymer solid electrolytes (PSEs) are still under the safety risk because of flammability and low mechanical strength. Here a TiO2 coated piperazine-modified ammonium polyphosphate (TiO2@PA-APP) is synthesized and incorporated into poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based PSE membranes to meet the above challenges. The thermal stability and ionic conductivity of PSE membrane incorporated with TiO2@PA-APP have been improved. Micro-scale combustion calorimetry experiments indicate a dramatic 70 % decrease in heat release rate, from 919 W g−1 to 267 W g−1. The lithium symmetric cell demonstrates remarkable durability, operating normally for 500 h with minimal polarization potential across various current densities at 60 °C. The all solid-state LiFePO4//Li battery using the cathode-supported TiO2@PA-APP/PEO-PSE membrane can reach a high discharge specific capacity of 153 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and demonstrates good cycle performance, achieving a capacity retention rate of 88 % after 200 cycles at 0.2 C, along with an average coulombic efficiency of 99.24 %. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the TiO2@PA-APP flame retardant in fabricating solid-state lithium-ion batteries that provide enhanced safety and exceptional electrochemical performance.

Conductivity-enhanced Poly(biphenyl piperidine) anion exchange membranes with organic tubes

Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) present an economically efficient alternative to proton exchange membrane fuel cells because of the use of non-precious metals. The development of high-performance and durable AEMFCs necessitates the use of highly conductive and robust anion exchange membranes (AEMs). In this study, a novel organic-organic composite AEM was synthesized by preparing poly(arylene piperidinium) polymer through Friedel-Crafts acid condensation and incorporating one-dimensional organic tubes as reinforcing materials. The composite AEM exhibits high conductivity (235 mS cm−1 at 80 °C) due to the chain orientation within the organic tubes and the availability of abundant transport sites. Furthermore, in contrast to the incompatibility of inorganic materials with polymers, the flexible nature of organic tubes enhanced polymer entanglement, significantly boosting the mechanical strength (120 MPa) of the AEM. Crosslinking the polymer backbone with the organic tubes facilitated simultaneous swelling, effectively mitigating interfacial compatibility issues, result in high dimensional stability. The H2–O2 fuel cell employing the developed AEM demonstrated a peak power density of 1018 mW cm−2 at 80 °C. This study provides a comprehensive synthetic strategy for producing stable AEMs with high hydroxide ion conductivity and outstanding mechanical properties tailored for alkaline membrane fuel cell applications.

Numerical simulations of conductive heating vacuum membrane distillation: Quantitative analysis of shunted heat flows and preventive strategy of salt crystallization

Numerical simulations of conductive heating vacuum membrane distillation: Quantitative analysis of shunted heat flows and preventive strategy of salt crystallization