Julian Black - PhD student (2024- present)
Julian Black is a new PhD student starting in September 2024 under the supervision of Dr Qilei Song. Julian completed his BASc in Chemical Engineering at the University of British Columbia where he performed research on CO2 electrolysis. His PhD research will focus on developing bipolar membranes for various applications. Outside the lab, Julian rows, having represented Canada internationally several times.
Email: julian.black24@imperial.ac.uk
Brief Introduction to Research
Bipolar membranes (BPMs) are a versatile technology with the ability to drive water dissociation and ion transport, making them valuable for applications in energy storage, carbon capture, and water treatment. BPMs consist of a cation exchange membrane, an anion exchange membrane, and a catalyst layer between the two. This composite membrane enables water dissociation where an applied electric field can drive H+ and OH- ions out of the BPM in opposite directions. The pH gradient developed by the BPM’s water dissociation and ion transport enables chemical reactions that would otherwise require extreme conditions.
Julian's PhD project aims to develop high-performance BPMs by integration of membranes and water dessociation catalysts, and explore their broad applications in energy processes. The project will investigate new materials including CEM membranes, AEM membranes, and water dessociation catalysts, which will be integrated together to achieve efficient transport water and ions, as well as fast reaction kinetics. This project builds on the latest development of cation and anion exchange membranes with high ion conductivity, high permselectivity, and good stability. The project will explore the broad applications of BPMs in emerging energy processes, such as bipolar membrane electrodialysis, electrolysis, acid-base flow batteries. The project will involve collaboration with various industrial partners.