Advancements in Ion-Exchange Polymer Membranes: Microstructure Design, Performance Optimization, and Extreme Condition Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Ion-exchange polymer membranes are widely used in energy systems such as fuel cells, water electrolysis, and supercapacitors due to their excellent ionic conductivity, selectivity, and chemical stability. This Special Issue focuses on the microstructural characterization and performance optimization of novel ion-exchange polymer membranes. We welcome submissions on the following topics:

Microstructural Design and Optimization: Enhancing membrane conductivity, chemical stability, and mechanical strength through polymer crystal structure, crystallinity, and crosslinking design, with a focus on single-crystal or semi-crystalline membranes.

Composite Membrane Fabrication and Performance: Investigating the effects of inorganic nanoparticles (e.g., silica, graphene, nano-alumina) in improving properties like water retention, ionic conductivity, and thermal stability.

Performance Under Extreme Conditions: Studying membrane behavior under low- and high-temperature conditions, especially in fuel cells and water electrolysis systems, with a focus on ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability, and gas permeability.

Advanced Characterization Techniques: Applying methods like X-ray scattering, microscopy, and neutron scattering to analyze membrane microstructure and ion conduction.

Computational Simulations and Machine Learning: Using molecular dynamics, density functional theory, and machine learning to predict membrane performance and accelerate the design of novel ion-exchange polymer membranes.

Dr. Cong Feng
Guest Editor

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 special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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.