Feature Papers in Membrane Surface and Interfaces

A topical collection in Membranes (ISSN 2077-0375). This collection belongs to the section "Membrane Surfaces and Interfaces".

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Editors

Physical Chemistry Department, Saint Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 198504, Russia
Interests: Ionophore-based ion-selective electrodes; sensing membranes; potentiometry; chronopotentiometry; electrochemical impedance; chronoamperometry; coulometry; voltammetry
Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Science and Technology, al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Cracow, Poland
Interests: analytical methods; electrochemical sensors; ion-selective electrodes; nanomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
Interests: direct lithium extraction; nanostructured materials; membrane; desalination; sensors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

Membranes is open to submissions (research articles, short communications, or review articles) on fundamental principles and applications related to membrane surfaces and interfaces. We are launching a Topical Collection entitled Feature Papers in Membrane Surfaces and Interfaces, in which the main topics include (but are not limited to):

  • The synthesis and/or modification of organic/inorganic/hybrid membrane surfaces and interfaces (including self-assembly, coatings, functionalization, host-guest recognition, composites, incorporation of 1D/2D materials, etc.) for advanced separation and/or reaction;
  • Theoretical modelling and analytical characterization of membrane surfaces and interfaces with a focus on the interconnection among morphological and physical–chemical properties, surface–molecular interactions, and adsorption/transport/reaction phenomena (including fouling);
  • Ion-selective membranes (including ion exchange membranes, mixed ionic electronic conducting membranes, etc.) and related interfacial electrochemical phenomena for energy conversion and storage, electro-separation, and sensors;
  • Advanced membrane surfaces and/or interfaces for energy, water, environment, catalysis, biological, and biomedical applications.

Prof. Dr. Konstantin Mikhelson
Dr. Beata Paczosa-Bator
Dr. Amir Razmjou
Collection Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the collection website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Membranes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • membrane synthesis and surface modification
  • membrane surface chemistry
  • membrane surface topology
  • membrane surface characterization
  • transport phenomena at membrane interfaces
  • polarization phenomena
  • membrane fouling
  • ion-selective membranes
  • electrochemical phenomena at membrane interfaces
  • sensing membranes

Published Papers (10 papers)

2024

Jump to: 2022

13 pages, 2328 KiB  
Article
Transfer of Sodium Ion across Interface between Na+-Selective Electrode Membrane and Aqueous Electrolyte Solution: Can We Use Nernst Equation If Current Flows through Electrode?
by Valentina Keresten, Fedor Lazarev and Konstantin Mikhelson
Membranes 2024, 14(4), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes14040074 - 27 Mar 2024
Viewed by 234
Abstract
Electrochemical impedance and chronopotentiometric measurements with Na+-selective solvent polymeric (PVC) membranes containing a neutral ionophore and a cation exchanger revealed low-frequency resistance, which is ascribed to Na+ ion transfer across the interface between the membrane and aqueous solution. The attribution [...] Read more.
Electrochemical impedance and chronopotentiometric measurements with Na+-selective solvent polymeric (PVC) membranes containing a neutral ionophore and a cation exchanger revealed low-frequency resistance, which is ascribed to Na+ ion transfer across the interface between the membrane and aqueous solution. The attribution is based on the observed regular dependence of this resistance on the concentration of Na+ in solutions. The respective values of the exchange current densities were found to be significantly larger than the currents flowing through ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) during an analysis in non-zero-current mode. This fact suggests that the interfacial electrochemical equilibrium is not violated by the current flow and implies that the Nernst equation can be applied to interpret the data obtained in non-zero-current mode, e.g., constant potential coulometry. Full article
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28 pages, 8824 KiB  
Review
Employing Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for Microscale Investigation of Interfaces and Interactions in Membrane Fouling Processes: New Perspectives and Prospects
by Mohan Wei, Yaozhong Zhang, Yifan Wang, Xiaoping Liu, Xiaoliang Li and Xing Zheng
Membranes 2024, 14(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes14020035 - 27 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1501
Abstract
Membrane fouling presents a significant challenge in the treatment of wastewater. Several detection methods have been used to interpret membrane fouling processes. Compared with other analysis and detection methods, atomic force microscopy (AFM) is widely used because of its advantages in liquid-phase in [...] Read more.
Membrane fouling presents a significant challenge in the treatment of wastewater. Several detection methods have been used to interpret membrane fouling processes. Compared with other analysis and detection methods, atomic force microscopy (AFM) is widely used because of its advantages in liquid-phase in situ 3D imaging, ability to measure interactive forces, and mild testing conditions. Although AFM has been widely used in the study of membrane fouling, the current literature has not fully explored its potential. This review aims to uncover and provide a new perspective on the application of AFM technology in future studies on membrane fouling. Initially, a rigorous review was conducted on the morphology, roughness, and interaction forces of AFM in situ characterization of membranes and foulants. Then, the application of AFM in the process of changing membrane fouling factors was reviewed based on its in situ measurement capability, and it was found that changes in ionic conditions, pH, voltage, and even time can cause changes in membrane fouling morphology and forces. Existing membrane fouling models are then discussed, and the role of AFM in predicting and testing these models is presented. Finally, the potential of the improved AFM techniques to be applied in the field of membrane fouling has been underestimated. In this paper, we have fully elucidated the potentials of the improved AFM techniques to be applied in the process of membrane fouling, and we have presented the current challenges and the directions for the future development in an attempt to provide new insights into this field. Full article
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2022

Jump to: 2024

16 pages, 5572 KiB  
Article
Voltammetric Ion Sensing with Ionophore-Based Ion-Selective Electrodes Containing Internal Aqueous Solution, Improving Lifetime of Sensors
by Valentina Keresten and Konstantin Mikhelson
Membranes 2022, 12(11), 1048; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12111048 - 27 Oct 2022
Viewed by 1519
Abstract
The possibility of voltammetric ion sensing is demonstrated, for the first time, for ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) containing an internal aqueous solution. ISEs selective to calcium, lithium and potassium ions are used as model systems. The internal solution of the ISEs contains a chloride [...] Read more.
The possibility of voltammetric ion sensing is demonstrated, for the first time, for ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) containing an internal aqueous solution. ISEs selective to calcium, lithium and potassium ions are used as model systems. The internal solution of the ISEs contains a chloride salt of the respective cation and a ferrocenemethanol or ferrocyanide/ferricyanide redox couple. A platinum wire is used as the internal reference electrode. It is shown, theoretically and experimentally, that the dependence of oxidation and reduction peak potentials on the sample composition obeys the Nernst law, while the peak currents virtually do not depend on the sample composition. Thus, the electrode behavior is similar to that reported by Bakker’s group for solid contact ISEs with ultra-thin membranes (200–300 nm). It is shown that the use of classical ISEs with relatively thick membranes (100–300 µm) and internal aqueous solution allows for the sensor lifetime of about one month. It is also shown that use of a suitable background electrolyte allows for improvement of the detection limits in voltammetric measurements with ISEs. Full article
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18 pages, 904 KiB  
Article
Determination of Single-Ion Partition Coefficients between Water and Plasticized PVC Membrane Using Equilibrium-Based Techniques
by Andrei V. Siamionau and Vladimir V. Egorov
Membranes 2022, 12(10), 1019; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12101019 - 20 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2278
Abstract
An experimentally simple method for the direct determination of single-ion partition coefficients between water and a PVC membrane plasticized with o-NPOE is suggested. The method uses the traditional assumption of equal single-ion partition coefficients for some reference cation and anion, in this case [...] Read more.
An experimentally simple method for the direct determination of single-ion partition coefficients between water and a PVC membrane plasticized with o-NPOE is suggested. The method uses the traditional assumption of equal single-ion partition coefficients for some reference cation and anion, in this case tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP+) and tetraphenylborate (TPB). The method is based on an integrated approach, including direct study of some salts’ distribution between water and membrane phases, estimation of ion association constants, and measurements of unbiased selectivity coefficients for ions of interest, including the reference ones. The knowledge of distribution coefficients together with ion association constants allows for direct calculation of the multiple of the single-ion partition coefficients for the corresponding cation and anion, while the knowledge of unbiased selectivity coefficients together with ion association constants allows for immediate estimation of the single-ion partition coefficients for any ion under study, if the corresponding value for the reference ion is known. Both potentiometric and extraction studies are inherently equilibrium-based techniques, while traditionally accepted methods such as voltammetry and diffusion are kinetical. The inner coherent scale of single-ion partition coefficients between water and membrane phases was constructed. Full article
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11 pages, 3912 KiB  
Article
Predicting the Potentiometric Sensitivity of Membrane Sensors Based on Modified Diphenylphosphoryl Acetamide Ionophores with QSPR Modeling
by Nadezhda Vladimirova, Elena Puchkova, Dmitry Dar’in, Alexander Turanov, Vasily Babain and Dmitry Kirsanov
Membranes 2022, 12(10), 953; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12100953 - 29 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1153
Abstract
While potentiometric, plasticized membrane sensors are known as convenient, portable and inexpensive analytical instruments, their development is time- and resource-consuming, with a poorly predictable outcome. In this study, we investigated the applicability of the QSPR (quantitative structure–property relationship) method for predicting the potentiometric [...] Read more.
While potentiometric, plasticized membrane sensors are known as convenient, portable and inexpensive analytical instruments, their development is time- and resource-consuming, with a poorly predictable outcome. In this study, we investigated the applicability of the QSPR (quantitative structure–property relationship) method for predicting the potentiometric sensitivity of plasticized polymeric membrane sensors, using the ionophore chemical structure as model input. The QSPR model was based on the literature data on sensitivity, from previously studied, structurally similar ionophores, and it has shown reasonably good metrics in relating ionophore structures to their sensitivities towards Cu2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+. The model predictions for four newly synthesized diphenylphosphoryl acetamide ionophores were compared with real potentiometric experimental data for these ionophores, and satisfactory agreement was observed, implying the validity of the proposed approach. Full article
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11 pages, 5448 KiB  
Article
Conversion of Carbon Dioxide into Chemical Vapor Deposited Graphene with Controllable Number of Layers via Hydrogen Plasma Pre-Treatment
by Yotsarayuth Seekaew, Nantikan Tammanoon, Adisorn Tuantranont, Tanom Lomas, Anurat Wisitsoraat and Chatchawal Wongchoosuk
Membranes 2022, 12(8), 796; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12080796 - 18 Aug 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2792
Abstract
In this work, we report the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas into graphene on copper foil by using a thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method assisted by hydrogen (H2) plasma pre-treatment. The synthesized graphene has been characterized by [...] Read more.
In this work, we report the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas into graphene on copper foil by using a thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method assisted by hydrogen (H2) plasma pre-treatment. The synthesized graphene has been characterized by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results show the controllable number of layers (two to six layers) of high-quality graphene by adjusting H2 plasma pre-treatment powers (100–400 W). The number of layers is reduced with increasing H2 plasma pre-treatment powers due to the direct modification of metal catalyst surfaces. Bilayer graphene can be well grown with H2 plasma pre-treatment powers of 400 W while few-layer graphene has been successfully formed under H2 plasma pre-treatment powers ranging from 100 to 300 W. The formation mechanism is highlighted. Full article
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9 pages, 528 KiB  
Article
Calculation of Lipophilicity of Organophosphate Pesticides Using Density Functional Theory
by Kurban E. Magomedov, Ruslan Z. Zeynalov, Sagim I. Suleymanov, Sarizhat D. Tataeva and Viktoriya S. Magomedova
Membranes 2022, 12(6), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12060632 - 19 Jun 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1909
Abstract
Higher lipophilicity facilitates the passage of a substance across lipid cell membranes, the blood–brain barrier and protein binding, and may also indicate its toxicity. We proposed eight methods for predicting the lipophilicity of the 22 most commonly used organophosphate pesticides. In this work, [...] Read more.
Higher lipophilicity facilitates the passage of a substance across lipid cell membranes, the blood–brain barrier and protein binding, and may also indicate its toxicity. We proposed eight methods for predicting the lipophilicity of the 22 most commonly used organophosphate pesticides. In this work, to determine the lipophilicity and thermodynamic parameters of the solvation of pesticides, we used methods of density functional theory with various basis sets, as well as modern Grimm methods. The prediction models were evaluated and compared against eight performance statistics, as well as time and RAM used in the calculation. The results show that the PBE-SVP method provided the best of the proposed predictive capabilities. In addition, this method consumes relatively less CPU and RAM resources. These methods make it possible to reliably predict the ability of pesticide molecules to penetrate cell membranes and have a negative effect on cells and the organism as a whole. Full article
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11 pages, 1229 KiB  
Article
Long-Time Evaluation of Solid-State Composite Reference Electrodes
by Slim Blidi, Kim Granholm, Tomasz Sokalski, Zekra Mousavi, Andrzej Lewenstam, Ivo Leito and Johan Bobacka
Membranes 2022, 12(6), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12060569 - 30 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1558
Abstract
In this study, the performance and long-time evaluation of solid-state composite (SSC) reference electrodes were investigated. The stability of all the SSC reference electrodes was continuously monitored by using potentiometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods over a period of several months. A multi-solution [...] Read more.
In this study, the performance and long-time evaluation of solid-state composite (SSC) reference electrodes were investigated. The stability of all the SSC reference electrodes was continuously monitored by using potentiometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods over a period of several months. A multi-solution protocol was used to study the influence of the ionic strength of the sample solution, ion charge, and mobility, and the sample pH values on the performance of the reference electrodes. The SSC reference electrodes were used in the calibration of commercial indicator electrodes for different ions at different temperatures. The concentrations of K+, Na+, Ca2+, and Cl- ions and pH values were measured in river water samples at different temperatures using the SSC reference electrodes. The obtained results for the same samples were compared with the results given by an independent laboratory specialized in routine water analyses. The agreement between the results was very good and even better than the case where commercial reference electrodes were used. Our study showed that the SSC reference electrodes exhibit good long-term stability and excellent performance, both in the calibrations and analyses of environmental samples. Full article
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20 pages, 3140 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Wearable Potentiometric pH Sensors
by Yitian Tang, Lijie Zhong, Wei Wang, Ying He, Tingting Han, Longbin Xu, Xiaocheng Mo, Zhenbang Liu, Yingming Ma, Yu Bao, Shiyu Gan and Li Niu
Membranes 2022, 12(5), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12050504 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3845
Abstract
Wearable sensors reflect the real–time physiological information and health status of individuals by continuously monitoring biochemical markers in biological fluids, including sweat, tears and saliva, and are a key technology to realize portable personalized medicine. Flexible electrochemical pH sensors can play a significant [...] Read more.
Wearable sensors reflect the real–time physiological information and health status of individuals by continuously monitoring biochemical markers in biological fluids, including sweat, tears and saliva, and are a key technology to realize portable personalized medicine. Flexible electrochemical pH sensors can play a significant role in health since the pH level affects most biochemical reactions in the human body. pH indicators can be used for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases as well as the monitoring of biological processes. The performances and applications of wearable pH sensors depend significantly on the properties of the pH–sensitive materials used. At present, existing pH–sensitive materials are mainly based on polyaniline (PANI), hydrogen ionophores (HIs) and metal oxides (MOx). In this review, we will discuss the recent progress in wearable pH sensors based on these sensitive materials. Finally, a viewpoint for state–of–the–art wearable pH sensors and a discussion of their existing challenges are presented. Full article
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15 pages, 19599 KiB  
Article
Chronopotentiometric Evaluation of Ionization Degree and Dissociation Constant of Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquid [C6Meim][NTf2] in Polymeric Plasticized Membranes
by Nadezhda V. Pokhvishcheva, Elizaveta K. Gigiadze, Andrey V. Kalinichev, Alexandr V. Ievlev, Konstantin V. Tyutyukin and Maria A. Peshkova
Membranes 2022, 12(2), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12020130 - 21 Jan 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2093
Abstract
Ionic liquids (ILs) have a wide variety of applications in modern electrochemistry due to their unique electrolytic properties. In particular, they are promising candidates as dopants for polymeric membranes in potentiometric sensors and liquid-junction free reference electrodes. However, the effective use of ILs [...] Read more.
Ionic liquids (ILs) have a wide variety of applications in modern electrochemistry due to their unique electrolytic properties. In particular, they are promising candidates as dopants for polymeric membranes in potentiometric sensors and liquid-junction free reference electrodes. However, the effective use of ILs requires a comprehensive understanding of their electrolytic behavior in the polymeric phase. We report here the exploration of the electrolytic and diffusion properties of IL 1-hexyl-3-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]amide ([C6Meim][NTf2]) in a poly(vinyl chloride) matrix. Chronopotentiometry is utilized to determine the concentration of charge carriers, ionic diffusion coefficients and apparent dissociation constant of [C6Meim][NTf2] in PVC membranes plasticized with a mixture of [C6Meim][NTf2] and bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate (DOS) over a wide range of IL concentrations. The diffusion properties of [C6Meim][NTf2] are confirmed by NMR-diffusometry. The non-monotonic electrolytic behavior of the IL in PVC-DOS matrix is described for the first time. A maximum ionization degree and diffusion coefficient is observed at 30 wt.% of IL in the plasticizing mixture. Thus, it is shown that by varying the flexible parameter of the IL to plasticizer ratio in the polymeric phase one can tune the electrolytic and transport properties of sensing PVC membranes. Full article
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