Techno-economic perspective on the limitations and prospects of ion-exchange membrane technologies

Abstract

The development of ion-exchange membrane (IEM) technologies is critical to achieving global sustainable development goals in the sectors of water desalination, energy storage, and chemical production. However, the commercialization of these technologies hinges on enhancing their techno-economic viability, which can be achieved by improving IEM performance. In this work, we review the economic feasibility of several IEM processes, highlighting common challenges that need to be addressed to improve their viability. Aqueous separation technologies show the most promise, while energy and chemical production technologies require both improvements in IEM performance and reductions in stack costs to become economically viable. By analyzing the IEM contribution to capital and operating costs, we identify materials design criteria for reducing electrochemical inefficiencies and achieving cost targets for membrane production.