Symposium FG
Advanced Membrane and Materials Technologies for Energy and the Environment
ABSTRACTS
Session FG-1 New materials synthesis, membrane processing and shaping, characterization
FG-1:IL01 Synthetic Approaches to Poly(arylene alkylene) Anion-exchange Membranes
P. JANNASCH, Lund University, Department of Chemistry, Lund, Sweden
Extensive research is currently being conducted to develop anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with high hydroxide conductivity and chemical stability, aiming to increase efficiency and lifetime of alkaline membrane fuel cells, water electrolyzers, and flow batteries. In this context, poly(arylene alkylene)s have recently emerged to offer great opportunities and flexibility to molecularly design and prepare tunable and robust AEMs with high performance and longevity. This class of polymers is prepared by superacid-mediated Friedel-Crafts-type polyhydroxyalkylations, typically involving a ketone or an aldehyde, and an arene such as biphenyl and terphenyl. My research group has over the past 8 years studied poly(arylene alkylene)s and has, for example, reported on the synthesis and properties of different poly(aryl piperidinium) AEMs, demonstrating high alkaline stability and hydroxide conductivity. In the current presentation, I will discuss some of our recent synthetic strategies to tune and improve the preparation, properties, and performance of poly(arylene alkylene) AEMs functionalized with N-alicyclic quaternary ammonium cations.
FG-1:IL02 Membrane Modifications for Enhanced Separation Performance
M. ULBRICHT, Lehrstuhl für Technische Chemie II, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
Membrane technologies are established for a wide range of applications. Organic polymers are the dominating materials for scalable fabrication of membranes. The modification of established material systems to further tune membranes to specific requirements is therefore if high interest. We will focus on water-related processes and illustrate by examples from own research how the efficiency of membrane-based separations can be improved by developing membranes with higher intrinsic permeability at wanted selectivity and with high resistance to fouling as well as with added functionalities. Approaches are the efficient integration of functional nanoparticles in polymer-based membranes during their fabrication, dip-coating of thin polymer films on porous support membranes, as well as easy-to implement post-modifications of membranes that can also be applied to membrane modules. Resulting membranes can be used for ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, adsorption cum ultrafiltration or flow-through catalysis, all with focus on removal of micropollutants from water. Such generic innovations in membrane materials will contribute to more sustainable membrane-based processes for important applications in water desalination, water purification, water reuse or resource recovery from water.
FG-1:IL03 From Defects to Disorder: Engineering ZIF-Based Membranes from Mixed-Matrix Systems to Glassy States
JONG SUK LEE, YUBIN JIN, UNG GI HONG, KI JIN NAM, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Separation processes account for a significant fraction of global energy consumption, driving the need for advanced membrane materials with improved selectivity and stability. In this presentation, we highlight recent advances in zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-based membranes, focusing on defect engineering and emerging glassy frameworks for gas separation. We first present ZIF-based mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs), where interfacial and intrinsic defects are systematically controlled to optimize transport properties, resulting in enhanced permeability–selectivity performance and improved resistance to aging and plasticization. We then introduce ZIF-derived glass membranes as a new class of materials incorporating both crystalline and glassy states, where structural evolution enables tunable free volume and transport pathways. These studies provide insights into how structural evolution governs membrane performance and offer new strategies for designing next-generation materials for energy-efficient separations..
FG-1:IL04 Design and Manufacturing Strategies for All-Ceramic Membranes for Hydrogen Separation
A. BARTOLETTI1, A. BRIGLIADORI1, E. MERCADELLI1, A. GONDOLINI1, V. SARACENI2, A. FASOLINI2, F.L. BASILE2, A. SANSON1, 1CNR - Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics ISSMC, Faenza, Italy; 2Department of Industrial Chemistry “Toso Montanari”, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
The BaCe0.65Zr0.20Y0.15O3-δ – Gd0.2Ce0.8O2-δ (BCZY–GDC) composite is among the most investigated materials for ceramic membranes in hydrogen separation and membrane reactor applications. Its fully ceramic nature ensures excellent chemical stability, even in sulfur- and CO₂-rich environments, outperforming conventional systems. These properties make BCZY–GDC membranes promising candidates for process intensification, particularly for integration into high-temperature reforming and gasification processes. In particular, engineering the microstructure of the porous support, applying functional washcoatings, and developing phases that directly incorporate metallic catalysts represent key strategies to achieve industrially relevant performance targets. This work presents different manufacturing approaches, including freeze casting, 3D direct ink writing, washcoating, and the development of exsolved catalytic phases, aimed at improving the performance, stability, and reliability of ceramic membranes for hydrogen separation.
FG-1:IL05 2D Materials-based Nanostructured Interfaces for Advanced Membranes
P. MIELE, Institut Européen des Membranes (IEM - UMR5635 ENSCM, UM, CNRS), Universite de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
Recently, several water purification processes have been developed and thanks to their high separation efficiency, easy operation, low energy consumption and their environmentally friendly behavior, membranes are among the most advanced ones. Numerous membranes have thus been developed, whether organic membranes, mixed matrix membranes or inorganic membranes. Here, we explored different strategies based on the use of 2D (nano)materials in order to modify the properties of the surface of the membranes. For example, polysulfone (PSF) membranes, for which the major drawback is their intrinsic hydrophobicity that affects especially antifouling performances, have been modified by graphene oxide addition to functionalize the selective layer of the membrane. Another part is devoted to a new process for porous membrane preparation suitable for hydrophilic polymers. In that case, the formation of the porosity of the membranes results from Pickering emulsion templating involving hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) or graphene oxide (GO) as stabilizer. Finally, some tailoring strategies susceptible of improving 2D materials membrane separation performances will be presented, including the development of laminar membranes prepared from 2D MoS2 nanosheets for enhanced desalination performance.
FG-1:L06 Nanopore Formation through Calcination of Titanicone Layers Grown by Atmospheric-Pressure Molecular Layer Deposition
H. SONDHI1, M.P. NIJBOER1, A. NIJMEIJER1, F. ROOZEBOOM1, M. BECHELANY2,3, A. KOVALGIN4, M. LUITEN-OLIEMAN1, 1Inorganic Membranes, University of Twente, AE Enschede, The Netherlands; 2Institut Européen des Membranes (IEM), École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR-5635 Université Montpellier, Montpellier, France; 3Functional Materials Group, Gulf University for Science and Technology, Mubarak Al-Abdullah, Kuwait; 4Integrated Devices and Systems, University of Twente, AE Enschede, The Netherlands
Ceramic membrane technology, used either as a stand-alone process or in combination with energy-intensive methods such as distillation, offers a promising route toward low-energy separations with reduced carbon footprints. For efficient removal of solutes within the nanofiltration (NF) range from industrial wastewater streams, ceramic NF membranes with reproducible sub-nanometre pore sizes are essential. In this study, the emerging molecular layer deposition (MLD) technique was employed to fabricate ceramic NF membranes with precise structural control. Using titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄) and ethylene glycol as vapor-phase precursors, followed by calcination at 350 °C in air, we obtained hybrid titanicone-derived NF membranes with pore radii of ~0.8 ± 0.1 nm and a demineralized water permeability of 13 ± 1 L m⁻² h⁻¹ bar⁻¹. The membranes exhibited > 90 % rejection of polyethylene glycol solutes with molecular weights above 380, confirming their size-selective separation performance and demonstrating the efficiency of the MLD process for tuning pore size and surface functionality. These results highlight the potential of MLD-engineered ceramic NF membranes as scalable, robust candidates for industrial solvent and wastewater treatment applications.
Session FG-2 Physical chemistry of membranes
FG-2:IL08 Functional Membranes for Photocatalytic Pollutant Degradation: From Surface Chemistry to Reactivity Mechanisms
R. HABCHI, EC2M, Faculty of Sciences 2, Campus Pierre Gemayel, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
Semiconductor oxides are extensively studied for environmental and energy-related photocatalytic applications due to their stability, abundance, and tunable physicochemical properties. This study highlights recent progress in their synthesis, modification, and performance enhancement for heterogeneous photocatalysis. The discussion emphasizes the influence of synthesis methods—such as sol-gel, hydrothermal, electrospinning, and atomic layer deposition—on morphology, crystallinity, and defect formation. Strategies including heterojunction engineering, doping, and surface functionalization are analyzed for improving light absorption, charge separation, and photocatalytic efficiency under visible light. Beyond pollutant degradation, the roles of semiconductor oxides in hydrogen production and gas sensing are explored. Persistent challenges related to charge recombination, limited solar response, and stability in real wastewater systems are addressed, alongside future directions focused on scalable synthesis, hybrid architectures, and integration into continuous-flow reactors for sustainable environmental remediation.
FG-2:IL09 Modelling Hydrogen Transport in Membrane Reformers
M.A. MURMURA, Department of Chemical Engineering Materials and Environment, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
Membrane steam reformers are a promising technology for the decentralized production of hydrogen, allowing the simultaneous production and purifcation steps in a single unit. An accurate design of these systems require an understanding of the interplay between the different phenomena determining their performance and how the operating conditions affect their rates. In this work, design criteria are presented based on an analysis of the coupling between mass transport, hydrogen permeation, and reaction rate in membrane steam reformers. In addition a minimum complexity model making use of an enhanced Sherwood number to describe reactor performance through an accurate 1D model is presented.
FG-2:IL10 Biochar Membranes for Water Desalination, Oxygen-Reduction-Reaction and H2 Production : The View from the Nanoscale
R. DUPUIS1, H. LOU-CHAO1, K. KAKIM2, C. BICHARA2, K.A IOANNIDOU1, R.J.-M. PELLENQ3, 1LMGC, CNRS-Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; 2CINaM, CNRS-Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France; 3IEM, CNRS-Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
This work focuses on the modeling water desalination, Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) and H2 production from biochar nanoporous membranes in aqueous alkaline electrolytes using a realistic model of biochar nanotexture. Using reactive meta-dynamics all-atoms simulations in the constant voltage (N, V, T, Velec) ensemble, we reveal the synergic charge coupling between the electric double layer (EDL) at the external cathode surface (or that of mesopores) in contact with the electrolyte and sub-nanopores that are able to dock bare ions and induce a global electric charge redistribution toward topological and chemical defects such as surface species. In turn, this cathodic surface over-charging (induced by in-nanopores ion docking) that is the consequence of the electrode voltage polarization) leads to an ionic strength increase of the EDL that then becomes the location of global strong electrostatic field that is able to induce strong ionic adsorption but also chemical reactions such as enhanced ORR (through cathodic O2 dissociation when O2 is first dissolved in the electrolyte) or electrolysis (leading to cathodic H2 production). By contrast, due to their size, hydration shell and electrode flexibility, anions barely make it to the anode sub-nanoporosity. Hence, the cathode “reinforced” EDL, nanometric in thickness, can then be seen as an efficient nanoreactor triggering electrocatalysis processes in the absence of metallic atoms or nanoparticles. Interestingly, we also found that this process leads to plastic cathode sub-nanopores deformation accompanied by a loss of capacitance upon cycling hence aging. This study reveals the crucial catalytic impact of ion docking, elucidating the fundamental mechanisms governing biochar-based electrocatalysis that is due to a collective, global, reinforced surface-polarization EDL effect at the cathode external surface or large pores initiated from carbon nanopores.
FG-2:L11 Elucidating Enhanced Wear Resistance Mechanism of Cross-linked Concentrated Polymer Brushes via Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics
YUKIHI HARA, C. SUZUKI, S. FUKUSHIMA, Y. OOTANI, Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, , Japan; N. OZAWA, New Industry Creation Hatchery Center, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan; M. KUBO, Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan, and New Industry Creation Hatchery Center, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
Concentrated polymer brushes (CPBs), in which polymer chains are densely grafted at one end to a surface, represent an effective means for designing functional membranes with versatile properties, including antifouling, controlled protein adsorption, and enhanced lubricity for improved energy efficiency. However, repeated friction during operation causes structural degradation of the CPBs, thereby limiting their practical applicability. Consequently, enhancing the wear resistance of CPBs is imperative. Among the various strategies that have been explored, cross-linking has been widely studied as a method to enhance the mechanical robustness of CPBs. However, the microscopic reinforcing mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we utilize coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to examine the impact of cross-linking on the mechanical robustness of CPBs. The findings indicate that cross-linking effectively mitigates wear resulting from chain breakage by preventing chain movement and deformation and reducing chain breakage. These findings provide molecular-level guidance for the design of robust CPBs-based membranes. This presentation will provide more in-depth examination of the effects of density, position, and length of cross-linking.
Session FG-3 Advances in membranes applications
FG-3:IL12 Nanocomposite Ionomer Membranes for Water Purification
M.L. DI VONA, E. SGRECCIA, R. NARDUCCI, I. AHMED, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
Ion exchange membranes (IEMs) combine hydrophobic polymer domains with hydrophilic ionic regions forming hydrated nanometric channels for selective ion transport. Cationic and anionic polymers such as sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) and poly(sulfone trimethylammonium) chloride (PSU-TMA) efficiently removed Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions from water, showing complete removal below their maximum sorption capacity. Incorporating carbon quantum dots (CQDs) into the ionomer matrix enabled fluorescence-based sensing of heavy metals, coupling detection and purification. Furthermore, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) covalently linked to polysulfone or poly(phenylene oxide) provided high surface area and tunable active sites, particularly effective for As (III) and As (V) capture. These multifunctional nanocomposite membranes unite high selectivity, optical responsiveness, and mechanical stability, representing a sustainable solution for advanced water purification.
FG-3:IL13 Artificial Water Channels- toward Biomimetic Membranes for Desalination
M. BARBOIU, Adaptive Supramolecular Nanosystems Group, Institut Europeen des Membranes, ENSCM-UMII-UMR CNRS 5635, Montpellier, France
This lecture discusses the incipient development of the biomimetic artificial water channels systems. We include only systems that integrate synthetic elements in their water selective translocation unit. We review many of the natural systems involved in water and related proton transport processes. We describe how these systems can fit within our primary goal of maintaining natural function within bio-assisted artificial systems. In the last part, we present several inspiring breakthroughs from the last decade in the field of biomimetic artificial water channels. All these examples demonstrate how the novel interactive water-channels can parallel biomolecular systems. At the same time these simpler artificial water channels offer a means of understanding water structures useful for many biological scenarios. Moreover, they can be used for the preparation of highly selective membranes for desalination.
FG-3:L15 PFAS: The ‘Forever Chemicals’ Possibility to Solve the Problem via Adsorption Process
M. VERMA, Water-Energy Nexus Laboratory, Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Herein, we developed a β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)-based polymer (β-CD-TriPod) crosslinked with tripodal amine to demonstrate the synergetic effects in superior adsorption of both short- and long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Kinetics studies showed rapid adsorption (~100% for nine PFASs at 1 µg L-1, except PFBA, and >86% at 200 µg L-1 individually) within two minutes. Isotherm results showed exceptional adsorption affinity and capacity, with KL = 0.310 ± 0.180 L mg-1, qm = 246.20 ±14.80 mg g-1 for PFBS, and KL = 0.980 ± 0.260 L mg-1, qm = 587.10 ± 54.50 mg g-1 for PFOS, significantly outperforming traditional activated carbons (ACs) and resins. The adsorbent also exhibited excellent regeneration and reusability, maintaining stable performance (>94%) over five consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles. Additionally, it performed effectively in PFASs-spiked real industrial wastewater with 55-100% removal efficiencies, regardless of the presence of co-contaminants. The adsorption mechanism confirmed the combined role of hydrophobic inclusion within β-CD cavities and electrostatic interactions with amines groups using elemental mapping, composition and FTIR techniques. Overall, this work demonstrates advanced molecular design strategies for rapid PFASs removal.
FG-3:IL16 Ionomer Separator Membranes for Li-metal Batteries and PEM Fuel Cells
L. PASQUINI, Aix Marseille Univ., CNRS, MADIREL (UMR 7246) and LIME laboratory, campus St Jérôme, Marseille, France; T. PHAN T.N., Aix Marseille Univ., CNRS, ICR (UMR 7273) Campus St Jérôme, Marseille, France; M.L. DI VONA, Department of Industrial Engineering and LIME Laboratory, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; P. KNAUTH, Aix Marseille Univ., CNRS, MADIREL (UMR 7246) and LIME laboratory, campus St Jérôme, Marseille, France
Ionomer separator membranes development is crucial to improve the performance and durability of storage and conversion devices. High ion conductivity as well as excellent mechanical and electrochemical stability are required to ensure the best separation, prevent short circuits, dendrites growth or fuel crossover. For Li-metal batteries, we present in this work ionomers based on PEO block copolymer, containing UV light crosslinkable groups to realize electrospun membranes. The results show that the separator is stable until 3,9 V vs. Li and, while impregnated with DMC/EC 1 M LiPF6 electrolyte, in a CR2032 cell with LFP cathode, it guarantees a good cycling capacity at different C rates. These findings make the electrospun membranes a possible alternative to commercial separators. For fuel cells, we present the stabilization of membranes based on aromatic ion conducting polymers (SPEEK and SPPSU) by the introduction of an inexpensive PPSU electrospun mat. Water uptake, mechanical and proton conductivity data show an improved stability of these materials. The synergistic effect of the reinforcement, together with the casting solvent and the thermal treatment or blending polymers, is promising for the realization of high stability ionomer membranes.
FG-3:IL17 Short-circuited Electrodes in Membrane Electrolysis Cells: The Concept and Two Examples
M. ETIENNE, Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, Nancy, France
In recent years, we have been interested in performing electrochemistry with short-circuited electrodes, i.e. without providing electrical energy to run the electrochemical reaction or recovering the produced energy, because the potential difference between the involved redox reactions was too low to exploit meaningfully, and because maximising the current density was preferable to maximising the power density. In practice, two electrodes are simply short-circuited at the same potential; however, they still specialise into anode and cathode due to differences in the local environment or the nature of the electrode surface. After providing a brief overview of the concept in the literature, I will present two examples of this development in membrane electrolysis processes: 1) a microbial membrane electrolysis cell for the production of biohydrogen, and 2) NADH electrochemical regeneration with H₂. I will discuss the methodology for characterising the short-circuited membrane electrolysis cell and highlight the main results.
FG-3:L18 Crosslinking of Sulfonated Hydrocarbon Membranes by Sulfone Bridges: Influence on Proton Conductivity, Mechanical Properties and Hydration
P. KNAUTH, L. PASQUINI, M.L. DI VONA, Aix Marseille University, Department of Chemistry, Campus St Jérôme, Marseille, France
Proton-conducting ionomer membranes are essential components of fuel cells. Traditionally, perfluorinated ionomers have been predominantly used. However, growing concerns regarding perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their toxicological and environmental impacts have spurred interest in PFAS-free alternatives, particularly sulfonated hydrocarbon membranes. To achieve high-performance materials, improvements in their mechanical stability and hydration behavior are required. One promising approach involves the development of innovative cross-linking strategies for sulfonated hydrocarbon membranes. In this study, we investigate the formation of sulfone bridges through thermal treatment as a cross-linking method. Various sulfonated membranes based on poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK), poly(phenyl sulfone) (SPPSU), and poly(ether sulfone) (SPES) were examined, and the influence of cross-linking on their proton conductivity, mechanical, and hydration properties is reported.
FG-3:L19 Nano-Welding of Graphene Wrinkles with Liquid Metal for Stretchable Gas Barriers
HEYI XIA, W. MONNENS, XIAOYU TAN, JIN WON SEO, F. MOLINA-LOPEZ, Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; XIAOYU TAN, Center for Membrane Separations, Adsorption, Catalysis, and Spectroscopy for Sustainable Solutions (cMACS), Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Pristine monolayer graphene is theoretically impermeable to gases due to its dense hexagonal carbon lattice. Its stretchability and optical transparency make it an ideal candidate for gas barriers in soft electronic applications. However, high-quality graphene, typically synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), often develops wrinkles and defects during the transfer process onto soft substrates. These imperfections create leakage pathways for gas permeation. In this study, we introduce an approach that selectively electrodeposits liquid metal onto wrinkle-induced defect sites, effectively "nano-welding" them. The fluidic nature of the liquid metal not only seals the defects but also acts as a mechanical buffer, preserving the integrity of the surrounding graphene under strain. This strategy restores graphene’s intrinsic impermeability and highlights its potential as an ultrathin, high-performance gas barrier, offering a promising solution for advanced encapsulation in soft electronics.
FG-3:IL20 Innovative Zeolite Membrane Reactors for Efficient Conversion of Methanol-to-Dimethyl Ether
E. AVRUSCIO1, A.W. SABIR2, PYUNG SOO LEE2,3, G. BARBIERI1, A. BRUNETTI1, 1National Research Council - Institute on Membrane Technology (ITM-CNR), Rende (CS), Italy; 2Department of Intelligent Energy and Industry, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea; 3Department of Chemical Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 4The University of Calabria, Laboratory of Industrial Chemistry and Catalysis, Rende, CS, Italy
In various industrial sectors, such as shipping, aviation, and energy-intensive industries, high-energy-density energy carriers are currently unavoidable because H2 - as a clean energy vector - has several limitations regarding transportation and storage. Using CO2-based e-fuels can increase the amount of renewable energy introduced in energy systems as a substitute for fossil fuels owing to the short storage cycle guaranteed by the CO2-fuel-CO2 cycle. Among various e-fuels, dimethyl ether (DME) is a low-carbon energy carrier that has gained significant attention as a potential alternative to diesel. This study evaluates the performance of a catalytic membrane reactor (MR) utilizing newly synthesized ZSM5 and BEA zeolite membranes for the conversion of methanol to DME. Zeolite was synthesized and deposited as thin films on porous alumina tube supports using a seeded growth method. The membrane structure, thickness, and crystal morphology were meticulously analyzed and optimized using SEM, XRD, EDS, in-situ FT-IR, and pervaporation of water and methanol. Methanol conversion and DME selectivity were assessed across various temperatures (200–260 °C) and weight hourly space velocities (3.5–21.1 h⁻¹). The zeolite MR demonstrated impressive methanol conversion (88% at 3.5 h⁻¹ and 200 °C) even at high WHSV values, achieving full DME selectivity. However, the addition of water to the feed stream reduced the conversion. Durability tests revealed a gradual decline in MR performance over time, yet the MR maintained robust performance, with an initial MeOH conversion of approximately 88%, remaining relatively stable for the first 70 hours at 200 °C and 3.5 h⁻¹. Subsequently, the conversion rate decreased but remained above 70% for up to 144 hours. The membrane successfully recovered its initial performance after /numerous regeneration cycles, confirming its suitability for longer term operations.
This research was funded by the European Union – NextGeneration EU from the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security POR H2 AdP MMES/ENEA with involvement of CNR and RSE, PNRR - Mission 2, Component 2, Investment 3.5 “Ricerca e sviluppo sull’idrogeno”, CUP: B93C22000630006.
Brunetti, A.; Migliori, M.; Cozza, D.; Catizzone, E.; Giordano, G.; Barbieri, G. ACS Sus. Chem. Eng. 2020, 8, 28.
Avruscio E., Sabir A.W., Barbieri G., Lee P.S., Catizzone E., Migliori M., Brunetti A*., Renewable Energy,256, 2026, 124187.
FG-3:IL21 Electrostatic Machines based on Multifunctional Materials: From Dielectric Membrane Devices to Fluid Gap Electroactive Polymer Transducers
G. MORETTI, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
Electrostatic machines based on dielectric polymers are a promising technology for mobile, portable, and soft robotic applications. While dielectric elastomeric membranes have dominated the field in recent decades, recent trends indicate a shift toward devices combining thin flexible dielectric films and dielectric fluid gaps. This presentation reviews key steps in the evolution of dielectric polymer machines, highlighting past and ongoing projects on dielectric elastomer (DE) and fluid gap transducers (FGTs). We first focus on applications of DE membranes in dynamic tasks across a wide range of scales, from large-scale sea-wave energy harvesting to compact multifunctional user interfaces. We then examine FGTs, which exploit zipping mechanisms within dielectric fluid gaps (liquid or gaseous) for transduction. The influence of dielectric material properties and combinations on the static and dynamic behavior of FGTs is discussed, followed by recent results on a new class of FGTs for space applications. These liquid-free zipping actuators leverage the dielectric properties of vacuum and are capable of operating at ultra-low pressures.
FG-3:IL22 Dielectric Elastomer Actuators – Steps Towards Industrial Application
B. FASOLT, S. SEELECKE, Intelligent Material Systems Lab, Dept. Systems Engineering, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
Dielectric elastomers are so-called smart materials that have both actuating and sensing properties. In actuation, applications can be realized that are characterized by large strokes with high energy efficiency and quiet operation, while sensors made from materials such as silicone allow strains of up to 100% and still enable resolutions in the micrometer range. The talk gives an overview of advanced manufacturing methods enabling future scalable production along with a novel patented repair method for silicone thin films that guarantees actuation up to required operation voltages without dielectric breakdown.