The Experts below are selected from a list of 1212 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Efrem Curcio - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Salinity Gradient Power reverse electrodialysis cation exchange membrane design based on polypyrrole chitosan composites for enhanced monovalent selectivity
Chemical Engineering Journal, 2020Co-Authors: Ramato Ashu Tufa, Jaromír Hnát, Debabrata Chanda, Enrica Fontananova, Efrem Curcio, Gianluca Di Profio, Theo Piallat, Martin Paidar, Karel BouzekAbstract:Abstract Reverse electrodialysis (RED) is one of the most promising membrane-based processes for renewable energy generation from mixing two solutions of different Salinity. However, the presence of Mg2+ in natural water has been shown to drastically reduce open circuit voltage (OCV) and output Power of RED. To alleviate this challenge, commercial cation exchange membranes (CEM) supplied by Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe B.V. (The Netherlands) were chemically modified by polypyrrole (PPy)/chitosan (CS) composites under controlled Pyrrole (Py) concentration (0.025–1 M) and polymerization time (0–8 h). The modified membranes were physically characterized by FTIR, SEM and EDX along with the determination of key electrochemical properties like ion exchange capacity, ionic conductivity, monovalent selectivity and swelling degree. The monovalent selectivity (Na+ vs Mg2+) of the modified membranes, evaluated based on flux of ions by diffusion dialysis, indicated up to 3-fold improvement compared to pristine membranes inline with the enhanced OCV (up to 20%) during RED test in multi-ion solution. This was obtained without significant change in membrane and interface resistances as depicted by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The modified membranes displayed Power densities in the range of 0.6–1.5 W/m2MP (MP: membrane pair) with more than 42% improvement compared to pristine membranes during RED test with multi-ion solutions. Although there is a gap for further improvement, these findings highlight a promising use of conducting polymers to design a highly selective and conductive membrane for RED.
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reverse electrodialysis for energy production from natural river water and seawater
Energy, 2018Co-Authors: Ahmet H Avci, Ramato Ashu Tufa, Enrica Fontananova, Efrem Curcio, Gianluca Di ProfioAbstract:Abstract The effectiveness of Salinity Gradient Power - Reverse Electrodialysis (SGP-RE) in real practice is still not clearly defined due to the lack of specific studies in literature, being investigations in large part limited to pure NaCl solutions or aqueous mixtures of two salts. In this work, we experimentally assessed the impact of natural feed streams (collected from Licetto river and Tyrrenian sea in Amantea - Italy) in terms of Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) and Power density (Pd) measured on a lab-scale SGP-RE stack prototype; results have been compared to those obtained when using NaCl solutions having equivalent ionic strength. Highest OCV (3.68 V and 4.09 V) and Pd values (0.46 and 1.41 W∙m−2) were observed at temperature of 60 °C for real and synthetic feeds, respectively. The extent of electrical resistances (ion exchange membrane/electrical double layer/diffusion boundary layer) was elucidated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS); in particular, a critical effect of real solution on cation exchange membrane (CEM) resistance was detected. Additionally, ionic characterization of process effluents revealed the occurrence of uphill transport of multivalent ions Mg2+, Ca2+ and SO42−.
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effect of solution concentration and composition on the electrochemical properties of ion exchange membranes for energy conversion
Journal of Power Sources, 2017Co-Authors: Enrica Fontananova, Ramato Ashu Tufa, Efrem Curcio, Enrico Drioli, D Messana, Isabella Nicotera, Vasiliki Kosma, W Van Baak, Gianluca Di ProfioAbstract:Abstract The electrochemical properties of ion exchange membranes (IEMs) applied for Salinity-Gradient Power (SGP) harvesting, are usually measured using diluited NaCl aqueous solutions because of the prevalence of its constituents ions in natural solutions (e.g. seawater). However, in real applications, the IEMs come in contact with other ionic species than Na + and Cl − that can have a relevant effect on their properties. As a consequence, the obtained results in many cases are not really representative. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of solution concentration and compositions on permselectivity, membrane and interface resistance, for both anion and cation exchange membranes (AEMs and CEMs). Special attention was paid to the influence of the most common multivalent ions in seawater (Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ and SO 4 2− ) on the electrochemical properties of the AEM and the CEM. It was possible to discriminate the impact on the AEM from that on the CEM. The results highlighted a strong negative effect of Mg 2+ on the CEM (relevant increase of ionic resistance and permselectivity) and, at minor extent, on the AEM (moderate reduction of permselectivity).
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effect of mg2 ions on energy generation by reverse electrodialysis
Journal of Membrane Science, 2016Co-Authors: Ahmet H Avci, Pinkey Sarkar, Diego Messana, Pietro Argurio, Ramato Ashu Tufa, Enrica Fontananova, Efrem Curcio, Gianluca Di ProfioAbstract:Abstract Reverse Electrodialysis is today recognized as one of the most promising technology to harvest Salinity Gradient Power (SGP-RE). However, the effectiveness of SGP-RE in real practice is still not clearly defined due to the lack of specific studies in literature, being in large part limited to investigations on pure NaCl solutions. In this work we experimentally investigated the effect of Mg2+, the most abundant cation in natural water after Na+, on SGP-RE performance by Power measurements on a lab-scale stack prototype. Maximum Power density ranged from 1.06 W/m2MP (MP: membrane pair) - generated when feeding SGP-RE prototype with 0.5 molal//4 molal NaCl, to 0.06 W/m2MP - measured when using 0.5 molal//4 molal MgCl2 solutions. Likewise, open circuit voltage decreased from 1.70 to 0.72 V. Evidence of uphill transport in the range of 0–30% MgCl2 was confirmed by Ion Chromatography analysis carried out on inlet and outlet streams of SGP-RE stack. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy analysis revealed that cation exchange membrane resistance was critically affected by Mg2+ concentration: membrane resistance, from a value of 2.41 Ω cm2 in pure NaCl solution, increased tenfold in pure MgCl2 solution.
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membrane technologies for seawater desalination and brackish water treatment
Advances in Membrane Technologies for Water Treatment#R##N#Materials Processes and Applications, 2015Co-Authors: Enrica Fontananova, Efrem Curcio, Gianluca Di Profio, Enrico DrioliAbstract:Abstract Membrane technology currently dominates the industry of desalination and brackish water treatment. Seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) systems account for more than 50% of the global capacity (about 70 million m 3 /day) of desalination plants. This success history began almost 50 years ago with the discovery of asymmetric cellulose acetate RO membranes by Loeb and Sourajan; more recently, the impressive development in membrane materials, modules, and process design has resulted in overall energy consumption of 3–5 kWh/m 3 of desalted water, much less than the energy required by conventional thermal processes (10–15 kWh/m 3 ). This chapter aims to provide a general overview of membrane operations currently in use in seawater and brackish water desalination for potable water production. After introducing the problem of water shortage and providing a general classification of main desalination technologies, the chapter focuses on the principles of RO, polymeric materials and modules in use, plant design strategies including the pretreatment step, energy input and related recovery devices, potentialities offered by novel Salinity Gradient Power technologies (with an emphasis on pressure-retarded osmosis and reverse electrodialysis), environmental problems related to brine disposal, membrane distillation as a viable option in the logic of zero liquid discharge, and the economics of membrane desalination.
Yongsheng Chen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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nanofluidic membranes to address the challenges of Salinity Gradient Power harvesting
ACS Nano, 2021Co-Authors: Xin Tong, Su Liu, John C. Crittenden, Yongsheng ChenAbstract:Salinity Gradient Power (SGP) has been identified as a promising renewable energy source. Reverse electrodialysis (RED) and pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) are two membrane-based technologies for S...
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nanocomposite and nanostructured ion exchange membrane in Salinity Gradient Power generation using reverse electrodialysis
2019Co-Authors: Jin Gi Hong, Xin Tong, Su Liu, Haiping Gao, Lan Gan, Chengchao Xiao, Bopeng Zhang, Yongsheng ChenAbstract:Abstract Reverse electrodialysis (RED) as a technique to harvest Salinity Gradient Power has drawn increasing attention in the past decades. The key component of the RED stack, the ion exchange membrane (IEM), is limiting the development of Salinity Gradient Power generation because of its suboptimal properties. These properties include electrical area resistance, permselectivity, and ion exchange capacity. IEMs specifically designed for RED applications with enhanced physical and electrochemical characteristics would achieve better energy output efficiency and enable wider application of the technique. Many researchers have found that composite membranes created by introducing inorganic nanomaterials into an organic polymer matrix showed enhanced electrical conductivity and permselectivity, as well as other improved membrane properties for RED. Moreover, specifically designed nanostructures, such as nanopores and nanochannels, significantly improved the ion transport efficiency and therefore herald an even brighter future for Salinity Gradient Power generation.
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A freestanding graphene oxide membrane for efficiently harvesting Salinity Gradient Power
Carbon, 2018Co-Authors: Xin Tong, Xin Wang, Su Liu, Haiping Gao, John C. Crittenden, Yongsheng ChenAbstract:Abstract Salinity Gradient Power (SGP) holds great potential for electricity generation. However, the technology scale-up is hindered by the lack of high-performance membranes. Here we initiate the application of freestanding graphene oxide membranes (GOMs) in pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) to generate SGP. The freestanding GOMs have moderate water permeability coefficient and excellent mechanical strength. Due to their ability to minimize internal concentration polarization (ICP), the freestanding GOMs can achieve high water flux in the osmosis systems, especially when the draw solution concentration is high. By combining experimental work and theoretical calculation, we found that the GOMs can have high Power density in the PRO system: a Power density of 24.62 W/m2 is obtained at a hydraulic pressure of 6.90 bar using 3 M and 0.017 M of NaCl as a draw and a feed solution, respectively. This study provides a new way of designing membranes for PRO system, the results show great potential for application of GOMs in PRO to generate SGP.
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a novel hybrid poly vinyl alcohol pva poly 2 6 dimethyl 1 4 phenylene oxide ppo membranes for reverse electrodialysis Power system
Electrochimica Acta, 2017Co-Authors: Bopeng Zhang, Jin Gi Hong, Hongguo Zhang, Di Jiang, Yongsheng ChenAbstract:Abstract The ion exchange membrane (IEM) is a primary component in the reverse electrodialysis (RED) system for Salinity Gradient Power generation. A great challenge exists in the selection of appropriate membrane materials and the design of proper RED membranes to optimize such an energy-producing process. This work presents a novel and cost-effective method for preparing hybrid cation exchange membranes by incorporating two organic polymers with fine film-forming ability. The functionalized poly (2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (sPPO) polymer with sulfated polyvinyl alcohol (sPVA) is proved to have great potential as a candidate for applications in RED. The prepared membranes showed that an optimal range of sPVA (2–10 wt%) improved the permselectivity (up to 87%) and an area resistance (down to 1.31 Ω cm2), which is comparable to those obtained with commercially available FKS (Fumasep®, Germany) membranes. The hybrid membrane containing 5 wt% of sPVA achieved the highest gross Power density at 0.46 W/m2. This study shows the potential of using organic-organic hybrid membranes for the RED Power generation system.
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effect of inorganic filler size on electrochemical performance of nanocomposite cation exchange membranes for Salinity Gradient Power generation
Journal of Membrane Science, 2015Co-Authors: Jin Gi Hong, Shira Glabman, Yongsheng ChenAbstract:Abstract Reverse electrodialysis (RED) is a technique that can capture electrical potential from mixing two water streams of different salt concentrations through permselective ion exchange membranes. Effective design of ion exchange membranes through structure optimization is critical to increase the feasibility of Salinity Gradient Power production by RED. In this work, we present the preparation of organic–inorganic nanocomposite cation exchange membranes (CEMs) containing sulfonated polymer, poly (2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide), and sulfonated silica (SiO 2 –SO 3 H). The effect of silica filler size at various loading concentrations on membrane structures, electrochemical properties, and the RED Power performance is investigated. The membranes containing larger fillers (70 nm) at 0.5 wt% SiO 2 –SO 3 H exhibited a relatively favorable electrochemical characteristic for Power performance: an area resistance of 0.85 Ω cm 2 , which is around 9.3% lower than the resistance of the membranes with smaller particle fillers (15 nm). The Power performance of this nanocomposite CEM in a RED stack showed the highest gross Power density of 1.3 W m −2 : 10% higher Power output compared with the membranes containing small particle size and 21% higher than that of commercially available FKS membrane. The goal of the present work is to develop an effective design for tailor-made CEMs for RED applications. Thus, a further optimized combination of material properties and membrane structure appears to be a viable option for the development of nanocomposite ion exchange materials that could provide greater Power production by RED.
E Brauns - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Salinity Gradient Power Reverse Electrodialysis
Current Trends and Future Developments on (Bio-) Membranes, 2019Co-Authors: E BraunsAbstract:Abstract The direct production of electrical energy by reverse electrodialysis is a promising technology. Energy can be extracted from the Salinity Gradient between two salt solutions at different salt concentrations. From the resulting difference in osmotic energy of both solutions an electrical voltage and current can be generated by implementing ion exchange membranes. This is indicated as Salinity Gradient Power by reverse electrodialysis (SGP-RE). Moreover, hybrid systems can be introduced that simultaneously produce potable water, thereby adding significantly to the economics of the process. This chapter describes the basic concepts of the SGP-RE process while pointing to the use and optimization window of ion exchange membranes as well as the use of other types of membranes within the hybrid systems, also generating potable water. Also the potential of using (stand-alone) SGP-RE batteries for storing solar energy and wind energy (or other (fluctuating) sources of energy) is indicated.
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finite elements based 2d theoretical analysis of the effect of iex membrane thickness and salt solution residence time on the ion transport within a Salinity Gradient Power reverse electrodialysis half cell pair
Desalination and Water Treatment, 2013Co-Authors: E BraunsAbstract:AbstractReverse electrodialysis electrical Power generation is based on the transport of salt ions through ion conductive membranes. The ion flux, equivalent to an electric current, results from a Salinity Gradient, induced by two salt solutions at significantly different concentrations. Such equivalent electric current in combination with the corresponding electrochemical potential difference across the membrane, equivalent to an electric potential, results in a battery equivalency. While having a co-current fluid flow of both solutions in the reverse electrodialysis cell pair compartments, a mathematical model needs to be based on both diffusion and convective mass transport equations in the compartments and on the, electromigration-based, ion transport through the membranes. The steady state salt ion flux through the membranes and the corresponding ion concentration distribution within the salt solution compartments of a reverse electrodialysis cell pair (in the absence of electrodes) was theoretically...
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Salinity Gradient Power by reverse electrodialysis effect of model parameters on electrical Power output
Desalination, 2009Co-Authors: E BraunsAbstract:Abstract Salinity Gradient Power (SGP) is based on the chemical potential difference between concentrated and dilute salt solutions. Reverse electrodialysis (RED) can thus be used to produce electricity by a SGP-RED unit. In principle,a highly concentrated solution can be recovered from a seawater desalination unit (SWDU) and its concentration further increased using solar energy. The SWDU itself can be based on (solar) evaporation, reverse osmosis or other methods. When thus combining a SGP-RED unit, a SWDU and solar energy, a hybrid system can be considered which involves the concentrated salt solution and seawater (/brackish water) as the "dilute" solution. However, key to the sucess of the hybrid concept is an adequate design of the SGP-RED unit. A basic SGP-RED process model has previously been published. This model was expanded by two distinct dilute and concentrate compartment thicknesses and implemented in a solver to investigate the effect of specific parameters. From these simulations, first recommendations have resulted with respect to the design of the SGP-RED unit (membrane and dilute compartment thickness, temperature) and were reported. Final specifications regarding an optimal SGP-RED unit can only be obtained through a dedicated research program. This would enable the evaluation of the overall technical feasibilities releated to the production/performance of thin ion-conductive membranes, an adequate SGP-RED stack design and the experimental verification of the model simulations.
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Salinity Gradient Power by reverse electrodialysis effect of model parameters on electrical Power output
Desalination, 2009Co-Authors: E BraunsAbstract:Abstract Salinity Gradient Power (SGP) is based on the chemical potential difference between concentrated and dilute salt solutions. Reverse electrodialysis (RED) can thus be used to produce electricity by a SGP-RED unit. In principle,a highly concentrated solution can be recovered from a seawater desalination unit (SWDU) and its concentration further increased using solar energy. The SWDU itself can be based on (solar) evaporation, reverse osmosis or other methods. When thus combining a SGP-RED unit, a SWDU and solar energy, a hybrid system can be considered which involves the concentrated salt solution and seawater (/brackish water) as the "dilute" solution. However, key to the sucess of the hybrid concept is an adequate design of the SGP-RED unit. A basic SGP-RED process model has previously been published. This model was expanded by two distinct dilute and concentrate compartment thicknesses and implemented in a solver to investigate the effect of specific parameters. From these simulations, first recommendations have resulted with respect to the design of the SGP-RED unit (membrane and dilute compartment thickness, temperature) and were reported. Final specifications regarding an optimal SGP-RED unit can only be obtained through a dedicated research program. This would enable the evaluation of the overall technical feasibilities releated to the production/performance of thin ion-conductive membranes, an adequate SGP-RED stack design and the experimental verification of the model simulations.
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towards a worldwide sustainable and simultaneous large scale production of renewable energy and potable water through Salinity Gradient Power by combining reversed electrodialysis and solar Power
Desalination, 2008Co-Authors: E BraunsAbstract:Abstract The pressure on the environment by human activity is still increasing and natural fossil resources are rapidly being consumed. Oil reserves on our planet are indeed restricted and at the current pace those reserves will be depleted within a few generations. Mankind is indeed searching for alternative energy sources such as wind energy but such sources can deliver only a very small fraction of the energy consumption all over the world. In addition, the effects of global warming from the human activity on our planet are accepted as being proven. Carbon dioxide is the main cause of global warming and therefore the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions are becoming a first priority. As a result, a break-through technology which can produce in a sustainable way vast amounts of (carbon dioxide free) green energy, with moreover a simultaneous production of potable water, would really be of utmost importance for all living creatures on our planet. Such a technology could be feasible if seawater desalination for the production of potable water would be combined with Salinity Gradient Power by reversed electrodialysis (SGPRE) and solar Power.
Gianluca Di Profio - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Salinity Gradient Power reverse electrodialysis cation exchange membrane design based on polypyrrole chitosan composites for enhanced monovalent selectivity
Chemical Engineering Journal, 2020Co-Authors: Ramato Ashu Tufa, Jaromír Hnát, Debabrata Chanda, Enrica Fontananova, Efrem Curcio, Gianluca Di Profio, Theo Piallat, Martin Paidar, Karel BouzekAbstract:Abstract Reverse electrodialysis (RED) is one of the most promising membrane-based processes for renewable energy generation from mixing two solutions of different Salinity. However, the presence of Mg2+ in natural water has been shown to drastically reduce open circuit voltage (OCV) and output Power of RED. To alleviate this challenge, commercial cation exchange membranes (CEM) supplied by Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe B.V. (The Netherlands) were chemically modified by polypyrrole (PPy)/chitosan (CS) composites under controlled Pyrrole (Py) concentration (0.025–1 M) and polymerization time (0–8 h). The modified membranes were physically characterized by FTIR, SEM and EDX along with the determination of key electrochemical properties like ion exchange capacity, ionic conductivity, monovalent selectivity and swelling degree. The monovalent selectivity (Na+ vs Mg2+) of the modified membranes, evaluated based on flux of ions by diffusion dialysis, indicated up to 3-fold improvement compared to pristine membranes inline with the enhanced OCV (up to 20%) during RED test in multi-ion solution. This was obtained without significant change in membrane and interface resistances as depicted by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The modified membranes displayed Power densities in the range of 0.6–1.5 W/m2MP (MP: membrane pair) with more than 42% improvement compared to pristine membranes during RED test with multi-ion solutions. Although there is a gap for further improvement, these findings highlight a promising use of conducting polymers to design a highly selective and conductive membrane for RED.
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reverse electrodialysis for energy production from natural river water and seawater
Energy, 2018Co-Authors: Ahmet H Avci, Ramato Ashu Tufa, Enrica Fontananova, Efrem Curcio, Gianluca Di ProfioAbstract:Abstract The effectiveness of Salinity Gradient Power - Reverse Electrodialysis (SGP-RE) in real practice is still not clearly defined due to the lack of specific studies in literature, being investigations in large part limited to pure NaCl solutions or aqueous mixtures of two salts. In this work, we experimentally assessed the impact of natural feed streams (collected from Licetto river and Tyrrenian sea in Amantea - Italy) in terms of Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) and Power density (Pd) measured on a lab-scale SGP-RE stack prototype; results have been compared to those obtained when using NaCl solutions having equivalent ionic strength. Highest OCV (3.68 V and 4.09 V) and Pd values (0.46 and 1.41 W∙m−2) were observed at temperature of 60 °C for real and synthetic feeds, respectively. The extent of electrical resistances (ion exchange membrane/electrical double layer/diffusion boundary layer) was elucidated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS); in particular, a critical effect of real solution on cation exchange membrane (CEM) resistance was detected. Additionally, ionic characterization of process effluents revealed the occurrence of uphill transport of multivalent ions Mg2+, Ca2+ and SO42−.
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effect of solution concentration and composition on the electrochemical properties of ion exchange membranes for energy conversion
Journal of Power Sources, 2017Co-Authors: Enrica Fontananova, Ramato Ashu Tufa, Efrem Curcio, Enrico Drioli, D Messana, Isabella Nicotera, Vasiliki Kosma, W Van Baak, Gianluca Di ProfioAbstract:Abstract The electrochemical properties of ion exchange membranes (IEMs) applied for Salinity-Gradient Power (SGP) harvesting, are usually measured using diluited NaCl aqueous solutions because of the prevalence of its constituents ions in natural solutions (e.g. seawater). However, in real applications, the IEMs come in contact with other ionic species than Na + and Cl − that can have a relevant effect on their properties. As a consequence, the obtained results in many cases are not really representative. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of solution concentration and compositions on permselectivity, membrane and interface resistance, for both anion and cation exchange membranes (AEMs and CEMs). Special attention was paid to the influence of the most common multivalent ions in seawater (Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ and SO 4 2− ) on the electrochemical properties of the AEM and the CEM. It was possible to discriminate the impact on the AEM from that on the CEM. The results highlighted a strong negative effect of Mg 2+ on the CEM (relevant increase of ionic resistance and permselectivity) and, at minor extent, on the AEM (moderate reduction of permselectivity).
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effect of mg2 ions on energy generation by reverse electrodialysis
Journal of Membrane Science, 2016Co-Authors: Ahmet H Avci, Pinkey Sarkar, Diego Messana, Pietro Argurio, Ramato Ashu Tufa, Enrica Fontananova, Efrem Curcio, Gianluca Di ProfioAbstract:Abstract Reverse Electrodialysis is today recognized as one of the most promising technology to harvest Salinity Gradient Power (SGP-RE). However, the effectiveness of SGP-RE in real practice is still not clearly defined due to the lack of specific studies in literature, being in large part limited to investigations on pure NaCl solutions. In this work we experimentally investigated the effect of Mg2+, the most abundant cation in natural water after Na+, on SGP-RE performance by Power measurements on a lab-scale stack prototype. Maximum Power density ranged from 1.06 W/m2MP (MP: membrane pair) - generated when feeding SGP-RE prototype with 0.5 molal//4 molal NaCl, to 0.06 W/m2MP - measured when using 0.5 molal//4 molal MgCl2 solutions. Likewise, open circuit voltage decreased from 1.70 to 0.72 V. Evidence of uphill transport in the range of 0–30% MgCl2 was confirmed by Ion Chromatography analysis carried out on inlet and outlet streams of SGP-RE stack. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy analysis revealed that cation exchange membrane resistance was critically affected by Mg2+ concentration: membrane resistance, from a value of 2.41 Ω cm2 in pure NaCl solution, increased tenfold in pure MgCl2 solution.
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Salinity Gradient Power-reverse electrodialysis and alkaline polymer electrolyte water electrolysis for hydrogen production
Journal of Membrane Science, 2016Co-Authors: Ramato Ashu Tufa, Jaromír Hnát, Debabrata Chanda, Elisabetta Rugiero, J Veerman, Willem Van Baak, Enrica Fontananova, Gianluca Di Profio, Enrico Drioli, Karel BouzekAbstract:Abstract In this work, innovative use of Salinity Gradient Power (SGP) as renewable energy source for indirect production of hydrogen is addressed. A lab-scale reverse electrodialysis (RED) unit, fed with different NaCl solutions mimicking highly concentrated brine (5 M), Reverse Osmosis retentate (1 M), seawater (0.5 M) and brackish water (0.1 M), was coupled to an alkaline polymer electrolyte (APE) water electrolysis cell. SGP-RED unit, equipped with 27 cell-pairs, reached at best an Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) of 3.7 V and maximum gross Power density of 3.2 W m −2 MP (membrane pair) when feeding the low concentration compartment (LCC) with 0.1 M NaCl and the High Concentration Compartment (HCC) with 5 M NaCl. The single-cell APE water electrolysis unit, operated at 1.8 V, attained a current density of 120 mA cm −2 under the following configuration: 10% w/w KOH electrolyte, highly conductive anion selective membrane composed of inert low-density polyethylene, finely milled anion selective particles and water-soluble poly (ethylene glycol-ran-propylene glycol), non-Platinum catalysts (NiCo 2 O 4 and NiFe 2 O 4 ) loading of 10 mg cm −2 and 15%w/w polymer binder at both cathode and anode, and operational temperature of 65 °C. The integrated system resulted in a maximum hydrogen production rate of 44 cm 3 h −1 per cm 2 of electrode surface area.
Jin Zhai - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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gap confinement effect of a tandem nanochannel system and its application in Salinity Gradient Power generation
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2021Co-Authors: Yuting Wang, Huaxiang Chen, Jin ZhaiAbstract:As an important nanofluidic device, an artificial ion nanochannel could selectively transport ions inside its nanoconfinement space and the surface charge of the pore wall. Here, confinement effects were realized by tandem nanochannel units, which kept their cascade gaps less than 500 nm. Within these gaps, ionic conductance was governed by the surface charge density of the channel unit. Cations could be sufficiently selected and enriched within this confined space, which improves the cation transfer number of the system. Therefore, the tandem nanochannel system could greatly improve the diffusion potential and energy conversion efficiency in the Salinity Gradient Power generation process. Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations were introduced to numerically simulate the ionic transport behavior and confirmed the experimental results. Finally, the gap confinement effect was introduced in the porous cellulose acetate membrane tandem nanochannel system, and a high output Power density of 4.72 W/m2 and energy conversion efficiency of 42.22% were achieved under stacking seven channel units.
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Gap Confinement Effect of a Tandem Nanochannel System and Its Application in Salinity Gradient Power Generation
'American Chemical Society (ACS)', 2021Co-Authors: Yuting Wang, Huaxiang Chen, Jin ZhaiAbstract:As an important nanofluidic device, an artificial ion nanochannel could selectively transport ions inside its nanoconfinement space and the surface charge of the pore wall. Here, confinement effects were realized by tandem nanochannel units, which kept their cascade gaps less than 500 nm. Within these gaps, ionic conductance was governed by the surface charge density of the channel unit. Cations could be sufficiently selected and enriched within this confined space, which improves the cation transfer number of the system. Therefore, the tandem nanochannel system could greatly improve the diffusion potential and energy conversion efficiency in the Salinity Gradient Power generation process. Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations were introduced to numerically simulate the ionic transport behavior and confirmed the experimental results. Finally, the gap confinement effect was introduced in the porous cellulose acetate membrane tandem nanochannel system, and a high output Power density of 4.72 W/m2 and energy conversion efficiency of 42.22% were achieved under stacking seven channel units
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hybrid nanochannel membrane based on polymer mof for high performance Salinity Gradient Power generation
Nano Energy, 2018Co-Authors: Jiaqiao Jiang, Qingqing Liu, Zhiqiang Xie, Jin ZhaiAbstract:Abstract Harvesting electric Power from the Salinity Gradient has drawn the eyes of researchers in recent years, because it is sustainable and environmentally benign. Nanofluidic channels are regarded as a promising platform to utilize this clean energy, due to their unique fluidic transport properties in the nanometer scale. Therefore, technological breakthroughs are expected in exploitation of new types of nanofluidic channel membranes. Polymer/MOF hybrid membranes combine the advantages of abundant pore channels from MOF and high density of functional groups from polymers, which make them competitive membrane materials for the control of nanofluidic transport. Herein, we developed a series of hybrid nanochannel membranes constructed by polystyrene sulfonate (PSS)/MOF composites and anodic aluminum oxide (AAO). The resultant membranes feature geometrical, chemical, and electrostatic asymmetries. Through adjusting the PSS content in the hybrid nanochannel membranes, the optimized membrane exhibits outstanding cation selectivity and can rectify the ion current with a ratio of 98 in 10 mM KCl solution. After integrating it into a Salinity-Gradient-driven device, a high Power density of 2.87 W/m2 is achieved, which shows great promise for practical applications. This work paves the way for the use of polymer/MOF composites in nanofluidic systems and boosts their applications in energy conversion areas.
