Hot-pressed polyelectrolyte complexes as novel alkaline stable monovalent-ion selective anion exchange membranes

Polymeric ion-exchange membranes have come a long way since their invention, benefiting wide range of processes, ranging from desalination to fuel cells. However, challenges such as alkaline stability, monovalent ion selectivity, cost-effectivity, and process sustainability largely persist. This work showcases stable anion-exchange made by hot-pressing polyelectrolyte complex poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) poly(diallyldimethylammonium) (PDADMA). completely aqueous production approach leads especially dense (non-porous) saloplastic films with an excess cationic groups, demonstrating good stability even at high salinities (up 2 M NaCl). On key performance indicators for anion exchange membranes, water uptake (~40%), permselectivity 97%), capacity (1.01 mmol g−1), resistance (2.3 O·cm2) the show comparable values commercial membranes. A drop in salinities, however, indicates that charge density could be further improved. Still, what really sets these apart is natural term 60 days) extreme acidic (pH 0) conditions 14) relevant selectivity up 6.3 Cl− over SO42−. Overall this PDADMA/PSS based saloplastics highly promising can produced simple, scalable, sustainable approach.