A unifying model for ion exchange membranes – towards a low carbon future

R&D Focus Areas:
Electrolysis, Separation materials and technologies, Materials modelling

Lead Organisation:
The University of Melbourne

Partners:
Not Applicable

Status:
Active

Start date:
April 2024

Completion date:
April 2028

Key contacts:
Professor Sandra Kentish- sandraek@unimelb.edu.au
Dr George Chen – gechen@unimelb.edu.au

Funding:
Australian research Council

Project total cost:
AUD$606,732 cash

Project summary description:
A low emission future for Australia will require the use of a range of electrochemical devices. These include the electrolysers used for hydrogen production, the fuel cells used for electrical energy generation and the batteries used for energy storage. Electrochemical reactors will transform carbon dioxide into chemicals. Fermentation will be used to convert biomass into solvents, chemicals and pharmaceuticals with electrodialysis used downstream of these reactors to purify the products. All of these systems use polymeric ion-exchange membranes that are not well understood. This project will combine experimental information on membrane performance and new mathematical models into computer programs that can be used by both Australian researchers and industry.

Related publications and key links:
No publications at this stage

Higher degree studies supported:
Two PhD students, four short term Masters student projects are supported.

 

Uploaded: May 2024