Ion-Exchange Membrane Permselectivity: Experimental Evaluation of Concentration Dependence, Ionic Species Selectivity, and Temperature Response

Ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) are widely used in reverse-electrodialysis (RED) technology, which can collect the salinity gradient energy between concentrated and diluted solutions and convert it into electromotive force (EMF) to drive power generation and hydrogen production. Recent studies have indicated that the permselectivity of IEMs is vital to determining the performance of an RED stack. In this study, the influences of solution concentration, ion species, and solution temperature on the permselectivity of IEMs were experimentally investigated. The results demonstrate that the permselectivity of IEMs decreases with increasing concentrations of KAc, LiCl, and LiBr solutions for both concentrated solutions (3–5 M) and dilute solutions (0.02–0.2 M). Further, through comparing the LiBr and KBr solutions as well as the LiCl, KCl, and NH4Cl solutions, respectively, K+ demonstrates a higher permselectivity than Li+, and both of which are smaller than NH4+ under the same cation and concentration conditions. Moreover, another test was conducted using three potassium salt solutions with different anions, and the experimental permselectivity order is Ac− > Br− > Cl−. A slight increase in solution temperature enhances the permselectivity of IEMs due to the increase in ionic mobility. However, an excessive temperature is detrimental to membrane stability and thus reduces permselectivity. It can be seen that ions with low hydration energy, a small hydration radius, and high mobility show a higher permselectivity.