Chapter 8. Other Polymer Membrane Electrolysis Processes

Abstract

This chapter commences with briefly addressing the various types of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), including ionically conducting phases, organically modified ceramic polymers, polymers in which nitrogen acts as a mediator for proton conduction, sulphonated polymers, and some anion-exchange materials. Emphasis is on sulphonic-containing perfluorinated ionomers, such as Nafion. A brief overview is then given of the many diverse fields of application of micro-heterogeneous SPE-based membranes in the processes involved in eletrocatalysis and water electrolysis. The chapter concludes with mention of current trends in research and possible future applications of electrocatalytic membrane processes.