1. Membrane Design and Synthesis
We developed new families of ion-selective membranes through rational polymer engineering. A focus was placed on polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs), where we tuned pore size distribution by manipulating backbone geometry, pendant groups, and contorted monomer structures (Nature Materials, 2020). First-generation PIMs were synthesised by double aromatic nucleophilic substitution and modified into ion-conductive membranes via amidoxime and Tröger’s Base functionalities.
Further design enabled enhanced selectivity and transport (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2022). Sulfonated PIMs were developed and demonstrated high proton/salt conductivity and chemical stability in flow batteries (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2020; Nat. Commun., 2022). We extended sulfonation to spirobifluorene and triptycene-modified PEEK backbones, leading to PIM-PEEK membranes that overcome the typical conductivity-selectivity trade-off (Joule, 2025).
By adjusting pendant group hydrophobicity, we could finely control water channel formation and hydration levels, enhancing selectivity in aqueous organic RFBs (Nature, 2024). Ether-free, fully aromatic PIMs provided superior stability, and one was patented (WO2025056591), with pending publications. Additionally, we explored MOFs as ion-conductive materials for solid-state batteries (Dalton Trans., 2020; manuscript in prep).
2. Membrane Manufacturing and Characterisation
We developed advanced membrane fabrication techniques, including solution-cast dense membranes, thin-film composites, and hybrid architectures. Key characterisation methods included in situ spectroscopy, SAXS, NMR, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, allowing us to elucidate ion pathways and water structuring.
Computational modelling was used to generate molecular-level insights into transport mechanisms. The resulting design rules informed the development of membranes with enhanced performance across acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions.
We also established collaborations with Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics and the University of Cambridge to gain access to roll-to-roll processing facilities, enabling scale-up to square-metre scale production for large-area testing.
3. Integration into Energy Storage Systems
Membranes were tested in aqueous RFBs using anthraquinones and ferro/ferricyanide (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2020; Nat. Commun., 2022), demonstrating high energy efficiency and long cycle life at neutral pH. Alkaline and acidic electrolyte systems (e.g. Zn–Fe, polysulfide, H2–Mn) were also developed (Joule 2022, 2025; Nat. Commun. 2022).
Beyond RFBs, membranes were applied to water electrolysers and electrodialysis for lithium extraction. In alkaline water electrolysis, membranes enabled efficient and durable hydrogen production, with work presented at major conferences.
Main Achievements
20+ advanced membranes developed and validated in multiple energy and separation applications.
20 high-impact publications (e.g. Nature Materials, Joule, Nat. Commun., Angew. Chem., Adv. Mater., JACS).
One patent application filed for new membrane chemistries and processes.
Presentations at major international conferences (IMSTEC, ICOM, EuroMembrane, MRS, ACS, NMSUM, MC16, IUPAC 2023).
Collaborations established with academic and industrial partners.
Exploitation and Dissemination
Dissemination was achieved through open-access publications, conferences, webinars, and stakeholder events. Results were also communicated to policymakers and the public via institutional channels.
Exploitation outcomes include:
Patent evaluations for licensing.
Two potential spin-out ventures in membrane materials and electrochemical systems.
Follow-on EU and national funding secured (e.g. ERC PoC 2023, 2025).
