Tailored Ion Exchange Membranes for H2 Production and Fuel Cells

Dear Collegues,

Hydrogen, with its high gravimetric energy density and environmental benefits, is a cornerstone for achieving a sustainable energy future. It offers versatile routes for decarbonizing various sectors of the economy, from transportation to industry. To optimize hydrogen production and utilization, the efficiency of ion exchange membranes in fuel cells and electrolyzers is critical. These membranes must selectively transport ions while preventing fuel crossover and electron leakage. The primary challenges include achieving high ion conductivity, ensuring mechanical robustness, and maintaining durability and scalability. Abundant on Earth, environmental and health friendly materials should be preferred for fabrication, as well as mild reaction conditions and one-pot processing methods.

This Special Issue, in collaboration with MDPI Journal Membranes (ISSN 2077-0375), seeks to address the current challenges and drive innovation in the field of ion exchange membranes for hydrogen technologies. We invite contributions in the form of review articles, critical reviews, perspectives, communications, and original research articles on the following topics:

• Design and synthesis of novel membranes: development of non-fluorinated membranes with high-performance results.
• New polymers, as base materials of ion exchange membranes.
• Characterization, modeling, and simulation: advanced techniques for assessing membrane performance and understanding transport mechanisms.
• Proton exchange, anion exchange, and bipolar membranes: exploration of new membranes for fuel cells and electrolysis.
• Chlorine-resistant membranes: development of durable materials membranes for seawater electrolysis.
• Composite membranes: nanofillers and other inorganic and modified carbons.
• Grafted and blended membranes.

This Special Issue aims to consolidate the latest advancements, tackle prevailing challenges, and inspire the development of a new generation of membranes.

We encourage the submission of high-quality manuscripts that provide significant contributions to the field. Join us in this endeavor to revolutionize hydrogen production and fuel cell technology, paving the way for a sustainable energy future.

Dr. Liliana Analía Diaz
Dr. Elvin Aliyev
Dr. Graciela C. Abuin
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Membranes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• PFA-free polymers
• bipolar membranes
• PEM (proton exchange membrane)
• AEM (anionic exchange membrane)
• water electrolysis
• seawater electrolysis
• fuel cell