Studies on Anion Exchange Membrane and Interface Properties by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy: The Role of pH

Abstract

Ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) represent a key component in various electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems. In this study, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to investigate the effects of structural changes of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) on the bulk membrane and interface properties as a function of solution pH. The variations in the physico/electrochemical properties, including ion exchange capacity, swelling degree, fixed charge density, zeta potentials as well as membrane and interface resistances of two commercial AEMs and cation exchange membranes (CEMs, as a control) were systematically investigated in different pH environments. Structural changes of the membrane surface were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Most notably, at high pH (pH > 10), the membrane (Rm) and the diffusion boundary layer resistances (Rdbl) increased for the two AEMs, whereas the electrical double layer resistance decreased simultaneously. This increase in Rm and Rdbl was mainly attributed to the deprotonation of the tertiary amino groups (-NR2H+) as a membrane functionality. Our results show that the local pH at the membrane-solution interface plays a crucial role on membrane electrochemical properties in IEM transport processes, particularly for AEMs.

Anion-Exchange Membrane–Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Using Porous Hematite Photoanodes

“…An anion-exchange membrane (AEM) is a solid polymer electrolyte that facilitates anion transport (especially OH – ). AEMs often employ quaternary ammonium-type positively charged ions (Figure S1), and are commonly utilized under highly alkaline conditions (pH > 10). , This is advantageous for use with the hematite photoanode in PEC systems employing a solid-electrolyte membrane, considering the instability of hematite photoanodes under acidic conditions.…”