Bio-based Membranes

Cellfion’s membrane solution is an innovative use of an abundant and renewable resource, nanocellulose derived from wood. Through a clean fabrication process, we prepare membranes that have:

Non-toxic handling and are decomposable.

High ion-selectivity

High ion-conductivity

Good barrier properties such as low crossover

High thermal, mechanical and chemical stability

Easy activation without any pre-treatment

Tunable properties

At the end of their life cycle, our membranes can simply be incinerated without the release of toxins.

WE ARE WORKING ACTIVELY TOWARDS THE COMMERCIALISATION OF OUR ION-SELECTIVE MEMBRANE

 Ion-selective membranes for use in Redox Flow Batteries and PEM Electrolysers.

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysers are used for green hydrogen production via a water splitting process called electrolysis. For this process, a catalyst, made up of two electrodes and an ion-selective membrane (Cellfion) is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen which are held separate from each other due to the ion-selective membrane. There are currently 7 different methods for producing hydrogen, however, green hydrogen is the only method that is completely without the release of greenhouse gas emissions, due to the use of renewable energy sources to power the electrolysis plants. Typical applications for hydrogen are; Fuel cells, industry, energy storage, gas for residential and many more. 

Redox Flow batteries are a form of large-scale energy storage which consists of two chambers holding the posolyte (Positively charges electrolyte) and the negolyte (negatively charged electrolyte). The electrolytes are pumped through the system on separate sides of an ion-exchange membrane (Cellfion), an electrical current occurs through the membrane while both liquids circulate. Redox flow batteries are an excellent source for long term energy storage due to the high cycling capabilities with minimal performance degradation. 

Typical applications for Redox Flow Batteries are:

grid balancing, mini grids, energy storage for renewable energy production, telecom towers and shipping ports. 

WHAT IS AN ION-SELECTIVE MEMBRANE?

An ion-selective membrane is the central component found in many electrochemical devices. These devices can be Fuel cells, Redox Flow Batteries and Electrolysers. The membrane is often referred to as the heart of the cell. It is most importantly a major component in defining the performance of an electrochemical device.

HOW DOES A MEMBRANE WORK?

A membrane is usually integrated between two electrodes (anode and cathode). This allows for only specific selected ions to be transported across it, whilst at the same time, blocking the unwanted molecules. Moreover, an ion-selective membrane allows for specific ion selection through chemical modifications and size excursion created by the pores in the membrane.