Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity in Triphasic Electrochemistry: Perspectives. Issue 17 (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marken, Frank; Madrid, Elena; Zhao, Yuanzhu; Carta, Mariolino; McKeown, Neil B.
• Is Part Of: ChemElectroChem. Volume 6:Issue 17(2019)
• Page Start: 4332
• Page End: 4342
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: modified electrodes -- triphasic catalysis -- ion conductivity -- ionic diodes -- gas diffusion electrodes; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1002/celc.201900717
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2196-0216

Abstract

Abstract: Polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) as molecularly rigid polymers have emerged as a new class of gas‐permeable glassy materials. They offer excellent processability and a range of potential applications also in electrochemical processes. Particularly interesting is the ability of some PIM films to remain gas‐permeable/binding even in the presence of (aqueous) liquid electrolyte to give triphasic interfacial reactivity. Gaseous reagents or products (such as hydrogen or oxygen) are bound probably into hydrophobic regions in the wet PIM film to avoid macroscopic bubble formation and to enhance both the surface reactivity and the apparent activity of the gas solute close to the electrode/catalyst surface. The photoelectrochemical formation of hydrogen gas close to a platinum electrode is enhanced by PIM‐1, which is presented as an example of energy harvesting through molecular H2 "energy carrier" transport. Abstract : As processable glassy porous polymer materials, polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) offer diversity in terms of molecular structure and porosity as well as opportunities in terms of multiphase interactions in the vicinity of electrode/catalyst surfaces. Exploratory research reviewed here shows that the presence of a thin film of porous polymer can significantly affect electrochemical and membrane processes. The molecular rigidity of the polymer allows the environment of electrodes/catalysts to be modified, in particular for gas‐evolving and consuming reactions.