Method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane, bipolar membrane, and use of said bipolar membrane

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane, and bipolar membrane thereof. The method comprises the steps of: - continuously supplying and transporting a substrate in a process direction; - applying, during transporting in the process direction, at least one catalyst layer to the substrate, wherein applying the at least one catalyst layer comprises the steps of: - electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a resin; - electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a catalyst; and - electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a further resin; and - providing at least one cation exchange membrane layer and providing at least one anion exchange membrane layer that are operatively connected to each of the other layers, wherein all layers extend in a plane containing the process direction.

Description

[0001] METHOD FOR CONTINUOUSLY ASSEMBLING A BIPOLAR MEMBRANE, BIPOLAR MEMBRANE, AND USE OF SAID BIPOLAR MEMBRANE

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane, a bipolar membrane, and use of said bipolar membrane. Furthermore, the invention relates to a bipolar membrane obtainable by the method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention.

[0003] A bipolar membrane may have several layers, such as a cationic exchange layer, a mixed anion and cation exchange layer, and an anionic exchange layer. In a conventional bipolar membrane, a cation exchange layer and an anion exchange layer are joined together via hot pressing or via casting or via extrusion, for example. Heterogeneous bipolar membranes are made by joining an anion exchange layer composed of anion exchange resin particles in a supporting inert polymer and of a cation exchange layer composed of cation exchange resin particles in a supporting inert polymer. The supporting polymer may be made of polyethylene or polypropylene or poly ether ether ketone, for example. Homogeneous bipolar membranes are made by joining an anion exchange layer made of a polymer with positively charged groups like tertiary and quaternary ammonium groups and a cation exchange layer made of a polymer with negatively charged groups like carboxylate and sulfonate groups. Conventional manufacturing of bipolar membranes is done by connecting said anion exchange layers and cation exchange layers by casting and / or physically attaching anion exchange layers and cation exchange layers with a water splitting 2D interface between the anion exchange layer and the cation exchange layer. At the 2D interface, a water splitting catalyst maybe applied by casting or spraying for example.

[0004] A problem of conventional 2D interface bipolar membranes and / or methods for manufacturing such bipolar membranes is delamination, also referred to as ballooning, which can occur at the junction of the interface between the anion exchange layers and cation exchange layer due to (osmotic) pressure build-up during start-ups and shut-downs of electrodialysis systems, for example. This problem is even bigger when the size of the bipolar membrane expands and when said membranes are made in a batch-wise process. As a result, the conventional methods for assembling bipolar membranes are batch wise processes, wherein the throughput is limited.

[0005] An objective of the present invention is to provide a method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane that obviates or at least reduces one or more of the aforementioned problems and / or is more effective as compared to conventional methods and systems.

[0006] This objective is achieved with the method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane, comprising the steps of:

[0007] - continuously supplying and transporting a substrate in a process direction; - applying, during transporting in the process direction, at least one catalyst layer to the substrate, wherein applying the at least one catalyst layer comprises the steps of:

[0008] - electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a resin;

[0009] - electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a catalyst; and

[0010] - electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a further resin; and

[0011] - providing at least one cation exchange membrane layer and providing at least one anion exchange membrane layer that are operatively connected to each of the other layers, wherein all layers extend in a plane containing the process direction.

[0012] The method according to the invention may start with continuously supplying and transporting a substrate in a process direction. Said step may be followed by the step of applying, during transporting in the process direction, at least one catalyst layer to the substrate. The step of applying comprises at least three sub-steps wherein said sub-steps may either start with electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a resin, followed by electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a catalyst, and electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a further resin. Alternatively, said sub-steps may start with electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a further resin, followed by electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a catalyst, and electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a resin.

[0013] It is noted that two or more of said sub-steps may overlap and be performed simultaneously.

[0014] The method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane further comprises the step of providing at least one cation exchange membrane layer and the step of providing at least one anion exchange membrane layer. Both, cation exchange membrane layer and anion exchange membrane layer, are operatively connected to each of the other layers.

[0015] In other words, the different layers (cation exchange membrane layer, catalyst layer, anion exchange membrane layer) may be assembled in any desired order, wherein the catalyst layer comprises an adjacent cation exchange membrane layer and an adjacent anion exchange membrane layer on the other side of the catalyst layer. Thus, a cation exchange membrane layer and an anion exchange membrane layer are provided on opposite sides of the catalyst layer. In addition, further layer may be provided to the continuously assembled bipolar membrane, wherein, for example, further cation exchange membrane layers and / or anion exchange membrane layers and / or catalyst layers may be continuously assembled within the bipolar membrane. It is noted that the at least one cation exchange membrane layer and / or the at least one anion exchange membrane layer may be provided by electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning. Alternatively, said at least one cation exchange membrane layer and / or said at least one anion exchange membrane layer may be provided as a ready to go product, for example provided on a roll as a cation exchange membrane or an anion exchange membrane.

[0016] It is also noted that a cation exchange membrane layer and / or anion exchange membrane layer do not have to be adjacent to the catalyst layer. In other words, a catalyst layer may be on two sides enclosed by cation exchange membrane layers or anion exchange membrane layers.

[0017] It is also noted that continuously assembling the different layers includes operatively coupling the layers (cation exchange membrane layer, catalyst layer, anion exchange membrane layer). Operatively coupled refers to an interaction between the layers, such that cation such as protons and / or anions such as hydroxyl ions and / or electrons may be transported from one side of the bipolar membrane to the other side of the membrane.

[0018] It is also noted that a cation exchange membrane layer and an anion exchange membrane layer refer to a plane extending in a width and length direction without catalyst. Therefore, the resin and / or further resin may also form a cation exchange membrane layer and / or an anion exchange membrane layer, wherein said layers are without catalyst. In other words, the different layers may blend into each other.

[0019] It was found that the catalyst layer, may be assembled by multiple electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning. Multiple electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning enables to include different compounds in a single layer. Furthermore, multiple electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning enables to include compounds with different solubility and / or compounds which are soluble in immiscible solvents in a single layer. It is noted that multiple electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning is not limited to the catalyst layer.

[0020] An advantage of the method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention is that the throughput of assembling is increased compared to conventional batch processes. As a result, a higher production is achieved and assembling costs are reduced.

[0021] Furthermore, less handlings must be performed by an operator, as a batch process needs to be started and stopped.

[0022] A further advantage of the method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane is that a well-defined bipolar membrane is achieved. In other words, a bipolar membrane comprising an evenly distribution of the (desired) thickness and with an evenly distributed density of resin, further resin, catalyst, etc. is achieved. As a result, the bipolar membrane assembled via the method according to the invention have a higher efficiency compared to conventional (batch wise) assembled bipolar membranes.

[0023] Yet another advantage of the method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane is that waste of membrane is reduced compared to conventional (batch wise) assembling methods. It is known that in conventional (batch wise) assembling processes bipolar membranes comprising an error are fully disposed. Due to an increase of controllability of the assembling of said bipolar membranes, errors are reduced. In the unlikely event an error occurs, only the piece comprising the error needs to be disposed, rather than the full membrane.

[0024] The method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane provides small droplets or vapour comprising a resin, a further resin, a catalyst, a cation exchange polymer, and / or an anion exchange polymer. The solvent forming said small droplets or vapour preferably evaporates before said droplets or vapour reaches the surface of the substrate or substrate comprising additional layers. In other words, a resin, a further resin, a catalyst, a cation exchange polymer, and / or an anion exchange polymer are exposed in a substantially dry and substantially solid form to the substrate or substrate comprising additional layers.

[0025] Reducing and / or preventing contact of a solvent with the substrate or substrate comprising additional layers prevents damaging of the bipolar membrane, as the solvent may interact with the components the bipolar membrane is made of. In particular, the solvent may damage the bipolar membrane before it is pressed.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the steps of electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning comprise electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning with two spinnerets, three, or four spinnerets, preferably comprise electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning with two spinnerets.

[0027] Multiple electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning comprises electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning with multiple spinnerets. For example, dual electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning comprises electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning with two spinnerets and triple electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning comprises electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning with three spinnerets. Thus, dual electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning enables assembling of a single layer comprising a compound which is soluble / dispersible in an aqueous solvent / dispersant and a compound which is soluble / dispersible in a non-aqueous solvent / dispersant and / or organic solvent / dispersant. It is noted that one spinneret provides the compound which is soluble / dispersible in an aqueous solvent / dispersant and the other spinneret provides the compound which is soluble / dispersible in a non-aqueous solvent / dispersant and / or organic solvent / dispersant.

[0028] A further advantage of multiple electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning is the method according uses a versatile method of introducing nanomaterials into polymeric nanofibrous structures in a controlled and / or homogeneous manner by enabling the simultaneous use of aqueous solutions and / or dispersions and organic solvent / dispersant based polymeric dispersions and / or solutions by means of multiple, such as dual, electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning.

[0029] Furthermore, the method according to the invention provides a versatile method of including compounds, such as nanomaterials, into a polymeric nanofibrous structure in a controlled and / or homogeneous manner by enabling the simultaneous use of aqueous solvents / dispersants and / or organic solvents comprising a polymeric solution.

[0030] For example, assembling the catalyst layer by triple electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning enables to provide (water splitting) catalyst, a resin separately, and a further resin separately to the catalyst layer. As a result, the aqueous soluble / dispersible catalyst and the non-aqueous soluble / dispersible resin and further resin may be included in the catalyst layer.

[0031] It is noted that this approach is also applicable for (additional) cation exchange membrane layers, (additional) anion exchange membrane layers, and additional catalyst layers.

[0032] Electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning the different layers enables to achieve a bipolar membrane which has evenly coupled layers and that the layers are compact, wherein the catalyst layer comprises the desired distribution of the catalyst in said layer. In other words, the layers may be directly assembled to adjacent layers and / or adhering of two adjacent layers is evenly distributed. An advantage thereof is that delamination of the assembled bipolar membrane is reduced compared to conventional methods for assembling a bipolar membrane. As a result, the method according to the invention provides a bipolar membrane which is less prone to delamination. Therefore, a more efficient and effective method for assembling a bipolar membrane is achieved.

[0033] Said delamination is prevented and / or reduced due to entanglement of the different layers. In other words, the polymers of the bipolar membrane are woven into each other, wherein conventional methods do not include such woven structure of the polymers. In fact, the method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention may include that there is no hard boarder / cut between the different layers. Another advantage of the method according to the invention is that evenly coupled layers of the bipolar membrane provide a bipolar membrane which is highly chemically resistant and / or mechanically stable. In fact, said bipolar membrane is more chemically resistant and / or mechanically stable compared to conventional bipolar membranes. Therefore, the method according to the invention enables efficient and effective assembling of a bipolar membrane.

[0034] In fact, the method according to the invention enables a bipolar membrane without coupling surfaces between the different layers, due to constantly providing the compounds to assemble the different layers.

[0035] Assembling a (multi-layer) bipolar membrane by use of multiple, such as dual or triple, electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning enables the simultaneous use of aqueous solutions and / or dispersion with inorganic catalysts and / or organic catalysts in an organic phase and the single multiple, such as dual or triple, electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning of one or more (preferably two) different polymeric solutions and / or dispersions in an organic phase.

[0036] It is noted that an organic catalyst also includes polymeric catalysts.

[0037] Furthermore, the assembling of a (multi-layer) bipolar membrane by use of multiple, such as dual or triple, electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning enables the simultaneous use of aqueous solutions and / or dispersions with inorganic catalysts and / or organic catalysts in an organic phase and the single multiple, such as dual or triple, electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning of one or more (preferably two) different polymeric solutions and / or dispersions in an organic phase with the use of nanometer sized silica, preferably 2 to 4 nanometer sized silica, as inorganic catalyst for water splitting in H+and OH’ and poly(4-vinylphenol) as organic catalyst for water splitting in H+and OH’.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning of a catalyst layer, a cation exchange membrane layer, and / or an anion exchange membrane layer is electrospinning the catalyst layer, the cation exchange membrane layer, and / or the anion exchange membrane layer.

[0039] It was found that electrospinning the catalyst layer, the cation exchange membrane layer, the and / or the anion exchange membrane layer provides the layers in an efficient and effective manner.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention the step of continuously supplying and transporting a substrate in a process direction comprises the step of continuously supplying the substrate to an electrospinning chamber and / or an electro spraying chamber and / or a centrifugal spinning chamber and / or an electrocentrifugal spinning chamber. Using an electrospinning chamber and / or an electro spraying chamber and / or a centrifugal spinning chamber and / or an electrocentrifugal spinning chamber is preferred as this reduces the influence of drafts and / or the spinning and / or spraying conditions may be efficiently and effectively controlled. Thus, the chamber enables to control, for example, the relative humidity and temperature.

[0041] It is noted that the electrospinning chamber and / or the electro spraying chamber and / or the centrifugal spinning chamber and / or the electrocentrifugal spinning chamber is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifiigal spinning of one or more of the catalyst layers and / or one or more of the cation exchange membrane layers and / or one or more of the anion exchange membrane layers.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention involves a continuous electrospinning and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning method, wherein the different compounds are included to a layer simultaneously. By changing the concentration and / or composition of an input, different structures / compositions within the bipolar membrane may be achieved. This may be achieved by using multiple spinnerets, for example two or three spinnerets. As a result, a bipolar membrane is achieved wherein the layers are defined by the composition over a defined thickness of the bipolar membrane. For conventional bipolar membranes, the layers are defined by the edge between the different prefabricated layers.

[0043] In a presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the substrate may be one of the at least one cation exchange membrane layer or is one of the at least one anion exchange membrane layer. Preferably, the at least one cation exchange membrane layer is a non-porous cation exchange layer, or the at least one anion exchange membrane layer is a non-porous anion exchange membrane layer.

[0044] The method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane may include a substrate being one of the at least one cation exchange membrane layer or is one of the at least one anion exchange membrane layer. Using a cation exchange membrane layer and / or an anion exchange membrane layer may increase the throughput of continuously assembling of the bipolar membrane. As a result, an efficient and (cost) effective method is achieved.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the bipolar membrane does not comprise a spacer.

[0046] It is noted that a bipolar membrane without a spacer enables to assemble a bipolar membrane comprising layers which are not separated to each other, and it enables to continuously assemble the bipolar membrane. In other words, the bipolar membrane is not disturbed by individual layers.

[0047] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the step of providing at least one cation exchange membrane layer comprises the step of electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning one or more cation exchange membrane layers comprising a cation exchange polymer.

[0048] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the step of providing at least one anion exchange membrane layer comprises the step of electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning one or more anion exchange membrane layers comprising an anion exchange polymer.

[0049] It was found that a cation exchange polymer and / or an anion exchange polymer enables an efficient and effective transport of ions through the assembled bipolar membrane. As a result, an efficient water splitting may be achieved in the catalyst layer of the bipolar membrane.

[0050] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the substrate may be a roll-to-roll substrate.

[0051] An advantage of a roll-to-roll substrate is that the substrate may be provided on a roll and an efficient and effective continuous method for assembling a bipolar membrane may be achieved. Furthermore, the roll-to-roll substrate enables efficient and effective assembling of the bipolar membrane as the substrate enables efficient and effective transport of the assembled bipolar membrane.

[0052] Yet another advantage of the roll-to-roll substrate is that the positioning of the substrate may be efficiently and effectively controlled. Controlling the position of the substrate enables to increase the quality of the assembled bipolar membrane. In other words, the positioning of the substrate helps to reduce undesired deficiencies in the assembled bipolar membrane.

[0053] Yet another advantage of the roll-to-roll substrate is that transport of the substrate and assembled bipolar membrane is efficient and effective.

[0054] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the substrate may be a non-porous layer, a porous layer, and / or a porous extruded layer. Preferably, the substrate may be a porous non-woven layer, a porous woven layer, a porous extruded layer, a non-porous cation exchange membrane layer, and / or a non-porous anion exchange membrane layer, more preferably the substrate may be a porous non-woven layer, a porous woven layer, and / or a porous extruded layer.

[0055] Preferably, the different layers of the bipolar membrane are assembled adjacent to or on the support, wherein the support may be inert to the resin, further resin, catalyst, cation exchange polymer, and / or anion exchange polymer. Preferably, the substrate is an electrically conductive substrate.

[0056] It was found that providing a substrate being a porous non-woven layer, a porous woven layer, and / or a porous extruded layer reduces damaging the bipolar membrane when the substrate is removed from the bipolar membrane. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention comprises the step of providing an inert substrate, wherein any (catalyst layer, cation exchange membrane layer, and anion exchange membrane layer) of the layers enables to remove the bipolar membrane easily and reduces damaging of the bipolar membrane.

[0057] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the step of applying, during transporting in the process direction, at least one catalyst layer to the substrate, comprises applying at least two catalyst layers. Preferably, the catalyst layers may be separated by at least one cation exchange membrane layer and / or at least one anion exchange membrane layer.

[0058] The step of applying during transporting in the process direction, at least two catalyst layers enables to provide the assembled bipolar membrane with two or more catalyst layers. Therefore, the efficiency of for example water splitting is increased. Furthermore, the multiple catalyst layers enable a compact bipolar membrane which is suitable to be used in devices used in limited spaces.

[0059] It was found that the separating the two or more catalyst layers by at least one cation exchange membrane layer and / or at least one anion exchange membrane layer results in efficient and effective water splitting. In fact, the water splitting of is more efficient and effective compared to conventional bipolar membranes.

[0060] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the method according to the invention further comprises the step of providing at least one further cation exchange membrane layer and / or further comprises the step of providing at least one further anion exchange membrane layer.

[0061] In other words, the step of providing at least one cation exchange membrane layer comprises the step of providing at least two cation exchange membrane layers, and / or step of providing at least one anion exchange membrane layer comprises the step of providing at least two anion exchange membrane layers.

[0062] It is noted that said steps enable continuously assembling a bipolar membrane with various configurations.

[0063] Thus, the method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane may be used to assemble a bipolar membrane comprising a cation exchange membrane layer, a catalyst layer, and an anion exchange membrane layer. Alternatively, said method according to the invention may be used to continuously assemble a bipolar membrane comprising a first cation exchange membrane layer, a first catalyst layer wherein the resin and further resin comprise a cation exchange polymer, a cation exchange membrane layer, a second catalyst layer, wherein the resin and further resin comprises an anion exchange polymer, and an anion exchange membrane layer.

[0064] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the step of electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a catalyst comprises gradually electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning the catalyst. Preferably, the concentration of the catalyst declines in a direction extending from substantially the middle of the catalyst layer to an adjacent layer.

[0065] It is note that gradually refers to an increasing or a decreasing concentration of the catalyst over (part of) the thickness of a layer, for example the catalyst layer. It will be understood that the concentration of the resin and / or the cation exchange polymer, and / or the further resin and / or the anion exchange polymer shows an inverse relation. In other words, the concentration of the catalyst changes or fluctuates over the thickness of the catalyst layer.

[0066] In addition, it is noted that the thickness of the desired layer(s) is defined in the direction which is substantially perpendicular to the adjacent side of the substrate layer.

[0067] Using multiple electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning enables to include multiple compounds with different properties in a single layer. In that respect, the method according to the invention enables to include an aqueous solution / dispersion of the catalyst and one or more non-aqueous solutions / dispersions of a resin and / or cation exchange polymer, and / or a further resin and / or an anion exchange polymer. As a result, a combination of compounds may be included in a single layer.

[0068] Another advantage of gradually electrospraying the catalyst layer is that a high concentration of the catalyst may be applied close to the middle of the catalyst layer and / or that the resin and / or further resin may gently merge into each other. As a result, the coupling of the resin and further resin is severe and a stronger membrane is achieved. It is noted that coupling may refer to integration of two adjacent layers and / or anchorage of two adjacent layers and / or integration of a resin and / or further resin with different properties.

[0069] Another advantage is that all compounds, such as resin, further resin, catalyst, cation exchange polymer, and anion exchange polymer, gently merge in each other. For example, the concentration of the catalyst may be zero at the surfaces of the catalyst layer. This enables to reduce the amount of layers and reduces the number of connections between and within layers.

[0070] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the catalyst may be one or more selected from the group of porous silica materials, aluminium silicates, zeolites, organic catalysts. Preferably, the organic catalyst may be one or more selected from the group of poly(4-vinylphenol), polyethylene glycol.

[0071] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the catalyst may be one or more selected from the group of MCM-41, TiO2. IrO2, Al(0H)3, graphene oxide, graphite oxide, ZIF-7, ZIF-8, ZIF-90, MOF-5, IRMOF-1, HKUST-1, CuTPA, SiO2, Mn(HC00)2. Preferably, the catalyst may be MCM-41.

[0072] It is noted that MCM-41 is a tradename, and is a mesoporous silica catalyst developed.

[0073] It is also noted that: - ZIF-7 (Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework 7) is Zn(bim)2, wherein bim refers to benzimidazole, and is formed by connecting Zn(II) ions with benzimidazole anions;

[0074] - ZIF-8 (Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework 8) is formed by Zn(II) ions coordinated by four imidazolate rings;

[0075] - ZIF-90 (Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework 90) is formed by Zn(II)-nitrate and imidazolate- 2-carboxyaldehyde;

[0076] - MOF-5 is a cubic metal-organic framework with the formula Zn4O(BDC)3, wherein BDC is 1,4-benzodicarboxylate;

[0077] - IRMOF-1 is a cubic metal-organic framework with the formula Zn4O(BDC)3, wherein BDC is 1,4-benzodicarboxylate;

[0078] - HKUST-1 is a framework of dimeric metal units connected with benzene-1,3,5- tricarboxylate as e.g. copper benzene-l,3,5-tricarboxylate; and

[0079] - Cu-TPA is copper terephthalate.

[0080] It was found that a catalyst being one or more selected from the group of MCM-41, TiO2. IrO2, A1(OH)3, graphene oxide, graphite oxide, ZIF-7, ZIF-8, ZIF-90, MOF-5, IRMOF-1, HKUST- 1, CuTPA, SiO2, Mn(HCOO)2, provides an efficient and effective bipolar membrane. Furthermore, it was found that the catalyst being MCM-41 provides an efficient and effective bipolar membrane.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment when multiple catalyst layers are present, the catalysts are preferably the same.

[0082] An advantage of the first water splitting catalyst and the second water splitting catalyst being the same is that only one solution / dispersion as to be provided to a stock solution / dispersion of one of the spinnerets of an electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning device.

[0083] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the resin and / or the cation exchange polymer may be one or more cation exchange polymer selected from the group of sulfonated poly ether ether ketone, a copolymer of polytetrafluoroethylene) and polysulfonyl fluoride vinyl ether, sulfonated poly (2,6-dimethyl-l,4-phenylene oxide), sulfonated polyether sulfone.

[0084] Experiments showed that the resin and / or cation exchange polymer being one or more selected from the group of sulfonated poly ether ether ketone, a copolymer of polytetrafluoroethylene) and polysulfonyl fluoride vinyl ether, sulfonated poly (2,6-dimethyl-l,4- phenylene oxide), sulfonated polyether sulfone provides an efficient and effective bipolar membrane.

[0085] It is noted that each resin and / or cation exchange polymer for each layer they are present in, are independently selected from said group. Thus, the resin may be one or more selected from the group of sulfonated poly ether ether ketone, a copolymer of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) and polysulfonyl fluoride vinyl ether, sulfonated poly (2,6-dimethyl-l,4-phenylene oxide), sulfonated polyether sulfone. The cation exchange polymer may optionally be one or one or more selected from the group of sulfonated poly ether ether ketone, a copolymer of polytetrafluoroethylene) and polysulfonyl fluoride vinyl ether, sulfonated poly (2,6-dimethyl-l,4-phenylene oxide), sulfonated polyether sulfone. Optionally, additional resin and / or cation exchange polymer may also be independently selected from the group of sulfonated poly ether ether ketone, a copolymer of polytetrafluoroethylene) and polysulfonyl fluoride vinyl ether, sulfonated poly (2,6-dimethyl-l,4- phenylene oxide), sulfonated polyether sulfone.

[0086] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the further resin and / or the anion exchange polymer may be one or more independently selected from the group of quatemized poly(p-phenylene oxide), quatemized polyepichlorhydrine, poly(spirobiindane-aryl ether sulfone) copolymers, polyethylene oxide, quatemized polyethersulfone, FAA-3.

[0087] It is noted that FAA-3 is a trade name, and refers to a polymer based on poly[oxy(2,6- dimethyl-l,4-phenylene)] and / or an aromatic polymer polyphenylene oxide with quatemairy ammonium groups.

[0088] Experiments showed that the further resin and / or the anion exchange polymer being one or more independently selected from the group of quatemized poly(p-phenylene oxide), quatemized polyepichlorhydrine, poly(spirobiindane-aryl ether sulfone) copolymers, polyethylene oxide, quatemized polyethersulfone, FAA-3 provides an efficient and effective bipolar membrane.

[0089] It is noted that each further resin and / or anion exchange polymer for each layer they are present in, are independently selected from said group. Thus, the further resin may be one or more selected from the group of quatemized poly(p-phenylene oxide), quatemized polyepichlorhydrine, poly(spirobiindane-aryl ether sulfone) copolymers, polyethylene oxide, quatemized polyethersulfone, FAA-3. The anion exchange polymer may optionally be one or one or more selected from the group of quatemized poly(p-phenylene oxide), quatemized polyepichlorhydrine, poly(spirobiindane-aryl ether sulfone) copolymers, polyethylene oxide, quatemized polyethersulfone, FAA-3. Optionally, additional further resins and / or anion exchange polymer may also be independently selected from the group of quatemized poly(p-phenylene oxide), quatemized polyepichlorhydrine, poly(spirobiindane-aryl ether sulfone) copolymers, polyethylene oxide, quatemized polyethersulfone, FAA-3.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, the resin and (each) cation exchange polymer, and / or further resin and (each) anion exchange polymer are the same.

[0091] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the resin and / or each cation exchange polymer may be sulfonated poly ether ether ketone, and / or further resin and / or each anion exchange polymer is FAA-3. It was found that sulfonated poly ether ether ketone as resin and / or cation exchange polymer and / or FAA-3 as further resin and / or anion exchange polymer provides an efficient and effective bipolar membrane. In fact, efficient and effective dissociation of water was achieved with a bipolar membrane wherein each resin and / or cation exchange polymer may be sulfonated poly ether ether ketone and / or each further resin and / or anion exchange polymer may be FAA-3.

[0092] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the resin and / or the further resin and / or the cation exchange polymer and / or the anion exchange polymer may be dissolved and / or dispersed in a solvent and / or dispersant, wherein for each resin and / or further resin, and / or cation exchange polymer, and / or anion exchange polymer the solvent and / or dispersant is one or more independently selected from the group of dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, propanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, A-mcthyl-2 -pyrrolidone.

[0093] An advantage of independently selecting the solvent and / or dispersant for the resin, further resin, cation exchange polymers, and anion exchange polymers is that said resins and / or polymers may be independently provided to the preferred layer. Using multiple electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning enables to include different (exchange) resins and / or polymers simultaneously in the preferred layer.

[0094] A further advantage is that the solvent / dispersant may be selected such that the properties of the solvent / dispersant match the needs of the resin and / or polymer.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment, the resins and / or (exchange) polymers may be dissolved / dispersed in the solvent / dispersant wherein the (independent) solution / dispersion comprises 15 wt.% to 30 wt.% resin, further resin, or (exchange) polymer. Preferably, the resin or the cation exchange polymer may be dissolved / dispersed in the range of 15 wt.% to 25 wt.% in the solvent / dispersant, preferably in the range of 18 wt.% to 22 wt.%, and / or the further resin or the anion exchange polymer may be dissolved / dispersed in the range of 20 wt.% to 30 wt.% in the solvent / dispersant, preferably in the range of 24 wt.% to 28 wt.%.

[0096] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the catalyst may be dissolved and / or dispersed in a solvent and / or dispersant, wherein the solvent and / or dispersant may be one or more selected from the group of water, methanol, ethanol, propanol.

[0097] Dissolving and / or dispersing the catalyst in one or more solvents selected from the group of water, methanol, ethanol, propanol provides enables to perform the step of electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a catalyst layer.

[0098] An advantage of the solvent and / or dispersant selected from the group of water, methanol, ethanol, propanol is that said solvent and / or dispersant substantially evaporates before the substrate or substrate comprising additional layers is reached.

[0099] It was found that that a solution and / or dispersion comprising 90% water and 10% ethanol provide an efficient and effective solution / dispersion comprising the catalyst. Furthermore, the catalyst may be present in the solution / dispersion comprising the catalyst in an amount of 0. 1 wt.% to 5 wt.%, preferably in an amount of 0.5 wt.% to 3 wt.%, more preferably in an amount of 1 wt.% to 2.5 wt.%, most preferably in an amount of about 2 wt.%.

[0100] Providing the solution / dispersion comprising the catalyst in an amount of 0. 1 wt.% to 5 wt.%, preferably in an amount of 0.5 wt.% to 3 wt.%, more preferably in an amount of 1 wt.% to 2.5 wt.%, most preferably in an amount of about 2 wt.% to the step of electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a catalyst layer, enables an efficient and effective method according to the invention.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the catalyst may be dissolved and / or dispersed in 90% water and 10% ethanol, preferably the catalyst is MCM-41, and the resin and / or further resin are dissolved and / or dispersed in dimethylacetamide. Preferably, the catalyst solution and / or dispersion comprise about 2 wt.% of the catalyst, and the resin and / or further resin solution and / or dispersion comprise 18 wt.% to 22 wt.% resin or 24 wt.% to 28 wt.% further resin. Said solutions / dispersions are respectively used in the step of electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a resin, and the step of electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a further resin, which are sub-steps of the step of applying at least one catalyst layer.

[0102] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane further comprises the step of pressing, preferably the step of pressing comprising the step of hot-pressing.

[0103] It is noted that throughout this application, the step of pressing may be referred to as the step of calendering.

[0104] Pressing the different layers enables to compact / dense the different layers and / or membrane. As a result, an efficient and effective membrane may be achieved. In fact, a bipolar membrane with a lower transmembrane voltage compared to conventional bipolar membranes was achieved.

[0105] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the step of pressing comprises one or more intermediate steps of pressing. Preferably, the step of hot-pressing may be performed at a temperature in the range of 120 °C to 180 °C, preferably in the range of 130 °C to 170 °C, more preferably in the range of 140 °C to 160 °C, most preferably about 150 °C.

[0106] It was found that hot-pressing performed at a temperature in the range of 120 °C to 180 °C, preferably in the range of 130 °C to 170 °C, more preferably in the range of 140 °C to 160 °C, most preferably about 150 °C enables an efficient and effective bipolar membrane.

[0107] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the step of hot- pressing may be performed at a pressure in the range of 150 bar to 250 bar, preferably in the range of 175 bar to 225 bar, more preferably in the range of 195 bar to 205 bar, most preferably about 200 bar. In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the step of hot- pressing may be performed for a period of at most 2 hours, preferably in the range of 2 seconds hour to 2 hours, more preferably in the range of 3 seconds to 1.5 hour, even more preferably in the range of 3 seconds to 1 hour, most preferably in the range of 3.6 seconds hour to 0.25 hour.

[0108] Performing the step of hot-pressing at a pressure in the range of 150 bar to 250 bar, preferably in the range of 175 bar to 225 bar, more preferably in the range of 195 bar to 205 bar, most preferably about 200 bar, for a period of at most 2 hours, preferably in the range of 2 seconds to 2 hours, more preferably in the range of 3 seconds to 1.5 hour, even more preferably in the range of 3 seconds to 1 hour, most preferably in the range of 3.6 seconds to 0.25 hour, provides an efficient and effective membrane with an efficient and effective water dissociation.

[0109] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane comprises the step of removing the substrate after the steps of applying, during transporting in the process direction, at least one catalyst layer, providing at least one cation exchange membrane layer, and providing at least one anion exchange membrane layer.

[0110] The step of removing the substrate is preferably performed after the step applying, during transporting in the process direction, at least one catalyst layer, providing at least one cation exchange membrane layer, and providing at least one anion exchange membrane layer.

[0111] Removing the substrate enables to achieve an efficient and effective bipolar membrane, wherein the membrane is not blocked by said substrate.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment, the step of removing the substrate is performed before the step of hot-pressing. Removing the substrate before hot-pressing reduces the number / area of damages of the bipolar membrane, as the stickiness of the substrate to the bipolar membrane is prevented and / or less compared to a bipolar membrane and substrate exposed to elevated temperatures.

[0113] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane further comprises the step of conditioning the bipolar membrane. Preferably, the step of conditioning may be performed in an aqueous solution of sodium chloride comprising a concentration in the range of 0.5 M to 1.5 M, preferably in the range of 0.75 M to 1.25 M, more preferably about 1 M.

[0114] It is noted that the step of conditioning the bipolar membrane may be performed after assembling the bipolar membrane.

[0115] The step of conditioning the membrane in an aqueous solution of sodium chloride comprising a concentration in the range of 0.5 M to 1.5 M, preferably in the range of 0.75 M to 1.25 M, more preferably about 1 M provides a cost-effective bipolar membrane.

[0116] The invention also relates to relates to a bipolar membrane. The bipolar membrane comprising: one or more cation exchange membrane layer; one or more catalyst layer, which is operatively coupled with the one or more cation exchange membrane layer; and one or more anion exchange membrane layer, which is operatively coupled with the one or more cation exchange membrane layer and one or more catalyst layer, wherein the catalyst layer comprises a catalyst which may be configured gradually in the catalyst layer such that the concentration of the catalyst declines in a direction extending from substantially the middle of the catalyst layer to an adjacent layer.

[0117] The bipolar membrane provides the same or similar effects and advantages as those described for the method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention.

[0118] It is noted that continuously assembling the different layers includes operatively coupling the layers (cation exchange membrane layer, catalyst layer, anion exchange membrane layer). Operatively coupled refers to an interaction between the layers, such that protons and / or anions may be transported from one side of the bipolar membrane to the other side of the membrane.

[0119] An advantage of the bipolar membrane according to the invention is that the bipolar membrane comprises nanomaterials into polymeric nanofibrous structures which are introduced in a controlled and homogeneous manner by enabling the simultaneous use of (aqueous) solutions and / or dispersions and organic solvent and / or dispersant based polymeric solutions and / or dispersions by means of dual / simultaneous electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning.

[0120] A further advantage of the bipolar membrane comprising a cation exchange membrane layer adjacent to the at least one of the one or more catalyst layers and comprising an anion exchange membrane layer adjacent to (preferably the same) one of the one or more catalyst layer is that the one or more catalyst layer is protected against harsh conditions. As a result, the valuable catalyst is protected. Therefore, the efficiency of the bipolar membrane is maintained and does not / less degrade due to loss of the catalyst over the lifespan of the bipolar membrane.

[0121] Furthermore, as a result to said cation exchange membrane layer and anion exchange membrane layer, a cost-effective membrane is achieved.

[0122] In a presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the catalyst may be one or more selected from the group of MCM-41, TiO2. IrO2, A1(OH)3, graphene oxide, graphite oxide, ZIF-7, ZIF-8, ZIF-90, MOF-5, IRMOF-1, HKUST-1, CuTPA, SiO2, Mn(HC00)2. Preferably, the catalyst may be MCM-41.

[0123] It was found that a catalyst being one or more independently selected from the group of MCM-41, TiO2, IrO2, A1(OH)3, graphene oxide, graphite oxide, ZIF-7, ZIF-8, ZIF-90, MOF-5, IRMOF-1, HKUST-1, CuTPA, SiO2, Mn(HC00)2, provides an efficient and effective bipolar membrane. Furthermore, it was found that the catalyst being MCM-41 provides an efficient and effective bipolar membrane.

[0124] In the preferred embodiment where multiple catalyst layers are incorporated in the bipolar membrane according to the invention, it is preferred that the catalysts are the same.

[0125] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the one or more cation exchange membrane layer comprises a cation exchange polymer selected from the group of sulfonated poly ether ether ketone, a copolymer of polytetrafluoroethylene) and polysulfonyl fluoride vinyl ether, sulfonated poly (2,6-dimethyl-l,4-phenylene oxide), sulfonated polyether sulfone.

[0126] In a further presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the one or more anion exchange membrane layer comprises an anion exchange polymer selected from the group of quatemized poly(p-phenylene oxide), quatemized polyepichlorhydrine, poly(spirobiindane-aryl ether sulfone) copolymers, polyethylene oxide, quatemized polyethersulfone, FAA-3.

[0127] In a preferred embodiment, the step of pressing provides a bipolar membrane with a thickness in the range of 30 pm to 120 pm, preferably a thickness in the range of 30 pm to 100 pm, more preferably a thickness in the range of 30 pm to 80 pm.

[0128] It was found that a thickness in the abovementioned range enables an efficient and effective bipolar membrane.

[0129] Furthermore, it was found that a stable thickness could be achieved. In other words, the different layers have a stable and constant thickness. Therefore, the error margins of the thickness of the bipolar membrane are low. As a result, and efficient and effective method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane is achieved.

[0130] The invention also relates to a bipolar membrane according to the invention obtainable by the method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention and / or a bipolar membrane obtainable by the method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention.

[0131] The bipolar membrane according to the invention obtainable by the method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention and / or the bipolar membrane obtainable by the method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention provides the same effects and advantages as those described for the method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention, and the bipolar membrane according to the invention.

[0132] In a preferred embodiment, the bipolar membrane has a thickness in the range of 30 pm to 120 pm, preferably a thickness in the range of 30 pm to 100 pm, more preferably a thickness in the range of 30 pm to 80 pm. The invention also relates to a use of a bipolar membrane according to the invention in hydrogen production, acid-base flow batteries, fuel cells, carbon dioxide capture, and / or inorganic and / or organic acid-base production and / or recovery.

[0133] The use of a bipolar membrane according to the invention provides the same effects and advantages as those described for the method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention, and the bipolar membrane according to the invention.

[0134] Using the bipolar membrane according to the invention provides efficient and effective hydrogen production, acid-base flow batteries, fuel cells, carbon dioxide capture, and / or inorganic and / or organic acid-base production and / or recovery.

[0135] In a presently preferred embodiment according to the invention, the bipolar membrane comprises a current density of at least 1000 A m’2having an overpotential of less than 100 mV.

[0136] In a preferred embodiment, the current density of at least 1000 A m’2having an overpotential of less than 100 mV, is compared to the reversible potential of 828 mV for water splitting into H+and OH’.

[0137] The invention also relates to a system comprising a bipolar membrane according to the invention.

[0138] The system according to the invention provides the same effects and advantages as those described for the method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention, the bipolar membrane according to the invention, and the use of a bipolar membrane according to the invention and / or obtainable by the method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention.

[0139] Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0140] - Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of a method according to the invention;

[0141] - Figure 2 shows a schematic overview of assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention comprising a catalyst layer;

[0142] - Figure 3 shows a further schematic overview of assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention comprising a catalyst layer;

[0143] - Figure 4 schematic overview of assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention comprising a catalyst layer;

[0144] - Figure 5 schematic overview of assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention comprising a catalyst layer;

[0145] - Figure 6 schematic overview of assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention comprising a catalyst layer; - Figure 7 schematic overview of assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention comprising a catalyst layer;

[0146] - Figure 8 schematic overview of assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention comprising a catalyst layer;

[0147] - Figure 9 schematic overview of assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention comprising a catalyst layer; and

[0148] - Figure 10 schematic overview of assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention comprising a catalyst layer.

[0149] Method 10 (Figure 1) for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane follows a sequence of different steps.

[0150] In the illustrated embodiment method 10 may start with step 12 of continuously supplying and transporting a substrate in a process direction. In a preferred embodiment, step 12 may comprise step 14 of continuously supplying the substrate to an electrospinning chamber and / or an electro spraying chamber and / or a centrifugal spinning chamber and / or an electrocentrifugal spinning chamber.

[0151] Step 12 may be followed by step 16 of applying, during transporting in the process direction, at least one catalyst layer to the substrate. Said step 16 comprises step 18 of electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a resin, step 20 of electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a catalyst, and step 22 of electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a further resin.

[0152] Step 16 may be followed by step 24 of providing at least one cation exchange membrane layer and / or step 26 of providing at least one anion exchange membrane layer that are operatively connected to each of the other layers.

[0153] It is noted that the substrate may be a cation exchange membrane layer or an anion exchange membrane layer. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment step 12 of continuously supplying and transporting a substrate in a process direction may comprise step 24 of providing at least one cation exchange membrane layer or step 26 of providing at least one anion exchange membrane layer that are operatively connected to each of the other layers.

[0154] In an alternative embodiment, the substrate may be inert. Therefore, in said alternative embodiment, step 24 of step of providing at least one cation exchange membrane layer or step 26 of providing at least one anion exchange membrane layer that are operatively connected to each of the other layers may be performed before step 12 of continuously supplying and transporting a substrate in a process direction.

[0155] Furthermore, step 24 of step of providing at least one cation exchange membrane layer may comprise step 28 of electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning one or more cation exchange membrane layers comprising a cation exchange polymer, and step 26 of providing at least one anion exchange membrane layer that are operatively connected to each of the other layers may comprise step 30 of electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning one or more anion exchange membrane layers comprising an anion exchange polymer.

[0156] In a preferred embodiment, step 16, step 24, and / or step 26 are performed multiple times.

[0157] Preferably, step 20 of electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a catalyst comprises step 32 of gradually electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning the catalyst.

[0158] Method 10 further comprises step 34 of pressing, preferably step 34 of pressing comprising step 36 of hot-pressing. Step 34 may be performed as intermediate step after one or more of the steps 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26.

[0159] In an illustrated embodiment (Figure 2) schematic system 40 for assembling a bipolar membrane according to the invention comprising a catalyst layer is shown.

[0160] System 40 comprises electrospinning chamber and / or electro spraying chamber and / or centrifugal spinning chamber and / or electrocentrifugal spinning chamber 42, wherein chamber 42 is provided with spinnerets 44, 46, 48. Spinnerets 44, 46, 48 are configured to electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning different compounds.

[0161] In a preferred embodiment, spinneret 44 is configured to electrospin and / or electro spray and / or centrifugal spin and / or electrocentrifugal spin a resin, spinneret 46 is configured to electrospin and / or electro spray and / or centrifugal spin and / or electrocentrifugal spin a catalyst, and spinneret 48 is configured to electrospin and / or electro spray and / or centrifugal spin and / or electrocentrifugal spin a further resin.

[0162] Furthermore, chamber 42 may be continuously supplied with substrate 50 in a process direction, wherein substrate 50 may be stored on roll 52.

[0163] In a preferred embodiment, substrate 50 is a cation exchange membrane layer or an anion exchange membrane layer.

[0164] In chamber 42 at least catalyst layer 54 is applied, using spinnerets 44, 46, 48. In the illustrated embodiment, further layer 56 may be applied, wherein further layer 56 is a cation exchange membrane layer or an anion exchange membrane layer, preferably further layer 56 is different of substrate 50, to form bipolar membrane 59.

[0165] In other words, when substrate 50 is a cation exchange membrane layer, further layer 56 may be an anion exchange membrane layer, and vice versa.

[0166] Further layer 56 may be stored on roll 58. In the illustrated embodiment of system 40, bipolar membrane 59 may be pressed, using pressing means 60. Pressing means 60 may comprise rolls 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72. Rolls 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72 may press at various pressure and may have different temperatures compared to one or more of the other rolls.

[0167] Pressed bipolar membrane 74 may be rolled on roll 76.

[0168] It is noted that other pressing means may also be used to press the bipolar membrane.

[0169] In an illustrated embodiment (Figure 3) schematic system 80 for assembling a bipolar membrane according to the method of invention comprising a catalyst layer is shown.

[0170] System 80 comprises a continuous supply and transport of substrate 82 in a process direction, wherein substrate 82 is guided using guiding means 84 and 86. Guiding means 84 and 86 are configured for positioning substrate 82 in the desired position. Substrate 82 is continuously supplied to electrospinning chamber and / or electro spraying chamber and / or centrifugal spinning chamber and / or electrocentrifugal spinning chamber 88, wherein chamber 88 is provided with spinnerets 90, 92, 94. Spinnerets 90, 92, 94 are configured to electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning different compounds.

[0171] In the illustrated embodiment, spinneret 90 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a resin, wherein the resin is a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange polymer layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer. Spinneret 92 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a catalyst. Spinneret 94 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a further resin, wherein the further resin is a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange polymer layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer. Preferably, the resin and the further resin are different.

[0172] Electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning the resin, catalyst, and further resin enables the formation of bipolar membrane 96.

[0173] Bipolar membrane 96 is provided to pressing means 98. Pressing means 98 comprises rolls 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110. Rolls 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 may press at various pressure and may have different temperatures compared to one or more of the other rolls. Pressing means 98 enables the formation of pressed bipolar membrane 112, which is guide away from pressing means 98 using guiding means 114.

[0174] Furthermore, system 80 may comprise splitting means 116, wherein splitting means 116 is configured for splitting substrate 82 from pressed bipolar membrane 112.

[0175] In an illustrated embodiment (Figure 4) schematic system 120 for assembling a bipolar membrane according to the method of invention comprising a catalyst layer is shown. System 120 comprises a continuous supply and transport of substrate 82 in a process direction, wherein substrate 82 is guided using guiding means 84 and 86. Guiding means 84 and 86 are configured for positioning substrate 82 in the desired position. Substrate 82 is continuously supplied to electrospinning chamber and / or electro spraying chamber and / or centrifugal spinning chamber and / or electrocentrifugal spinning chamber 122, wherein chamber 122 is provided with spinnerets 124, 126, 128, 130, 132. Spinnerets 124, 126, 128, 130, 132 are configured to electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning different compounds.

[0176] In the illustrated embodiment, spinneret 124 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifiigal spinning a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange membrane layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer. Spinneret 126 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a resin, wherein the resin is a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange polymer layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer. Spinneret 128 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a catalyst. Spinneret 130 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifiigal spinning a further resin, wherein the further resin is a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange polymer layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer. Spinneret 132 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifiigal spinning a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange membrane layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer.

[0177] Preferably, spinneret 124 provides a cation exchange polymer and spinneret 126 provides a resin, wherein the resin comprises a cation exchange polymer, and spinneret 132 provides an anion exchange polymer and spinneret 130 provides a further resin, wherein the further resin comprises an anion exchange polymer. Alternatively, spinneret 124 provides an anion exchange polymer and spinneret 126 provides a resin, wherein the resin comprises an anion exchange polymer, and spinneret 132 provides a cation exchange polymer and spinneret 130 provides a further resin, wherein the further resin comprises a cation exchange polymer.

[0178] Electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifiigal spinning the cation exchange polymer, the anion exchange polymer, the resin, catalyst, and further resin enables the formation of bipolar membrane 134.

[0179] Bipolar membrane 134 is provided to pressing means 98. Pressing means 98 comprises rolls 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110. Rolls 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 may press at various pressure and may have different temperatures compared to one or more of the other rolls. Pressing means 98 enables the formation of pressed bipolar membrane 136, which is guide away from pressing means 98 using guiding means 114.

[0180] Furthermore, system 120 may comprise splitting means 116, wherein splitting means 116 is configured for splitting substrate 82 from pressed bipolar membrane 136.

[0181] In an illustrated embodiment (Figure 5) schematic system 140 for assembling a bipolar membrane according to the method of invention comprising a catalyst layer is shown.

[0182] System 140 comprises a continuous supply and transport of substrate 82 in a process direction, wherein substrate 82 is guided using guiding means 84 and 86. Guiding means 84 and 86 are configured for positioning substrate 82 in the desired position. Substrate 82 is continuously supplied to electrospinning chamber and / or electro spraying chamber and / or centrifugal spinning chamber and / or electrocentrifugal spinning chamber 142, wherein chamber 142 is provided with spinnerets 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154. Spinnerets 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154 are configured to electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning different compounds.

[0183] In the illustrated embodiment, spinneret 144 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange membrane layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer. Spinneret 146 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange membrane layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer. Spinneret 148 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a resin, wherein the resin is a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange polymer layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer. Spinneret 150 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a catalyst. Spinneret 152 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a further resin, wherein the further resin is a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange polymer layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer. Spinneret 154 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange membrane layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer.

[0184] Preferably, spinneret 146 provides a cation exchange polymer and spinneret 148 provides a resin, wherein the resin comprises a cation exchange polymer, and spinnerets 144 and 154 provides an anion exchange polymer and spinneret 152 provides a further resin, wherein the further resin comprises an anion exchange polymer. Alternatively, spinneret 146 provides an anion exchange polymer and spinneret 148 provides a resin, wherein the resin comprises an anion exchange polymer, and spinnerets 144 and 154 provides a cation exchange polymer and spinneret 152 provides a further resin, wherein the further resin comprises a cation exchange polymer.

[0185] Electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning the cation exchange polymer, the anion exchange polymer, the resin, catalyst, and further resin enables the formation of bipolar membrane 156.

[0186] Bipolar membrane 134 is provided to pressing means 98. Pressing means 98 comprises rolls 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110. Rolls 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 may press at various pressure and may have different temperatures compared to one or more of the other rolls. Pressing means 98 enables the formation of pressed bipolar membrane 158, which is guide away from pressing means 98 using guiding means 114.

[0187] Furthermore, system 140 may comprise splitting means 116, wherein splitting means 116 is configured for splitting substrate 82 from pressed bipolar membrane 158.

[0188] In an illustrated embodiment (Figure 6) schematic system 160 for assembling a bipolar membrane according to the method of invention comprising a catalyst layer is shown.

[0189] System 160 comprises a continuous supply and transport of substrate 82 in a process direction, wherein substrate 82 is guided using guiding means 84 and 86. Guiding means 84 and 86 are configured for positioning substrate 82 in the desired position. Substrate 82 is continuously supplied to electrospinning chamber and / or electro spraying chamber and / or centrifugal spinning chamber and / or electrocentrifugal spinning chamber 162, wherein chamber 162 is provided with spinnerets 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176. Spinnerets 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176 are configured to electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning different compounds.

[0190] In the illustrated embodiment, spinnerets 164, 166, 174, 176 are individually configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange membrane layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer. Spinneret 168 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a resin, wherein the resin is a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange polymer layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer. Spinneret 170 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a catalyst. Spinneret 172 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a further resin, wherein the further resin is a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange polymer layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer. Preferably, spinnerets 166 and 176 provides a cation exchange polymer and spinneret 168 provides a resin, wherein the resin comprises a cation exchange polymer, and spinnerets 164 and 174 provides an anion exchange polymer and spinneret 172 provides a further resin, wherein the further resin comprises an anion exchange polymer. Alternatively, spinnerets 166 and 176 provides an anion exchange polymer and spinneret 168 provides a resin, wherein the resin comprises an anion exchange polymer, and spinnerets 164 and 174 provides a cation exchange polymer and spinneret 172 provides a further resin, wherein the further resin comprises a cation exchange polymer.

[0191] Electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning the cation exchange polymer, the anion exchange polymer, the resin, catalyst, and further resin enables the formation of bipolar membrane 178.

[0192] Bipolar membrane 178 is provided to pressing means 98. Pressing means 98 comprises rolls 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110. Rolls 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 may press at various pressure and may have different temperatures compared to one or more of the other rolls. Pressing means 98 enables the formation of pressed bipolar membrane 179, which is guide away from pressing means 98 using guiding means 114.

[0193] Furthermore, system 160 may comprise splitting means 116, wherein splitting means 116 is configured for splitting substrate 82 from pressed bipolar membrane 179.

[0194] In an illustrated embodiment (Figure 7) schematic system 180 for assembling a bipolar membrane according to the method of invention comprising a catalyst layer is shown.

[0195] System 180 comprises a continuous supply and transport of substrate 82 in a process direction, wherein substrate 82 is guided using guiding means 84 and 86. Guiding means 84 and 86 are configured for positioning substrate 82 in the desired position. Substrate 82 is continuously supplied to electrospinning chamber and / or electro spraying chamber and / or centrifugal spinning chamber and / or electrocentrifugal spinning chamber 182, wherein chamber 182 is provided with spinnerets 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194. Spinnerets 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194 are configured to electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning different compounds.

[0196] In the illustrated embodiment, spinnerets 184, 192, 194 are individually configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange membrane layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer. Spinneret 186 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a resin, wherein the resin is a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange polymer layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer. Spinneret 188 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a catalyst. Spinneret 190 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a further resin, wherein the further resin is a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange polymer layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer.

[0197] Preferably, spinnerets 184 and 194 provide a cation exchange polymer and spinneret 186 provides a resin, wherein the resin comprises a cation exchange polymer, and spinneret 192 provides an anion exchange polymer and spinneret 190 provides a further resin, wherein the further resin comprises an anion exchange polymer. Alternatively, spinnerets 184 and 194 provide an anion exchange polymer and spinneret 186 provides a resin, wherein the resin comprises an anion exchange polymer, and spinneret 192 provides a cation exchange polymer and spinneret 190 provides a further resin, wherein the further resin comprises a cation exchange polymer.

[0198] Electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning the cation exchange polymer, the anion exchange polymer, the resin, catalyst, and further resin enables the formation of bipolar membrane 196.

[0199] Bipolar membrane 196 is provided to pressing means 98. Pressing means 98 comprises rolls 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110. Rolls 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 may press at various pressure and may have different temperatures compared to one or more of the other rolls. Pressing means 98 enables the formation of pressed bipolar membrane 198, which is guide away from pressing means 98 using guiding means 114.

[0200] Furthermore, system 180 may comprise splitting means 116, wherein splitting means 116 is configured for splitting substrate 82 from pressed bipolar membrane 179.

[0201] In an illustrated embodiment (Figure 8) schematic system 200 for assembling a bipolar membrane according to the method of invention comprising a catalyst layer is shown.

[0202] System 200 comprises a continuous supply and transport of substrate 82 in a process direction, wherein substrate 82 is guided using guiding means 84 and 86. Guiding means 84 and 86 are configured for positioning substrate 82 in the desired position. Substrate 82 is continuously supplied to electrospinning chamber and / or electro spraying chamber and / or centrifugal spinning chamber and / or electrocentrifiigal spinning chamber 202, wherein chamber 202 is provided with spinnerets 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214. Spinnerets 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214 are configured to electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifiigal spinning different compounds.

[0203] In the illustrated embodiment, spinnerets 204 and 214 are individually configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifiigal spinning a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange membrane layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer. Spinneret 206 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifiigal spinning a resin, wherein the resin is a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange polymer layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer. Spinnerets 208 and 210 are configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning catalysts, for example different catalysts. Spinneret 212 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a further resin, wherein the further resin is a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange polymer layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer.

[0204] Preferably, spinneret 204 provides a cation exchange polymer and spinneret 206 provides a resin, wherein the resin comprises a cation exchange polymer, and spinneret 214 provides an anion exchange polymer and spinneret 212 provides a further resin, wherein the further resin comprises an anion exchange polymer. Alternatively, spinneret 204 provides an anion exchange polymer and spinneret 206 provides a resin, wherein the resin comprises an anion exchange polymer, and spinneret 214 provides a cation exchange polymer and spinneret 212 provides a further resin, wherein the further resin comprises a cation exchange polymer.

[0205] Electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning the cation exchange polymer, the anion exchange polymer, the resin, catalyst, and further resin enables the formation of bipolar membrane 216.

[0206] Bipolar membrane 216 is provided to pressing means 98. Pressing means 98 comprises rolls 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110. Rolls 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 may press at various pressure and may have different temperatures compared to one or more of the other rolls. Pressing means 98 enables the formation of pressed bipolar membrane 218, which is guide away from pressing means 98 using guiding means 114.

[0207] Furthermore, system 200 may comprise splitting means 116, wherein splitting means 116 is configured for splitting substrate 82 from pressed bipolar membrane 218.

[0208] In an illustrated embodiment (Figure 9) schematic system 220 for assembling a bipolar membrane according to the method of invention comprising a catalyst layer is shown.

[0209] System 220 comprises a continuous supply and transport of substrate 82 in a process direction, wherein substrate 82 is guided using guiding means 84 and 86. Guiding means 84 and 86 are configured for positioning substrate 82 in the desired position. Substrate 82 is continuously supplied to electrospinning chamber and / or electro spraying chamber and / or centrifugal spinning chamber and / or electrocentrifugal spinning chamber 222, wherein chamber 222 is provided with spinnerets 224, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 238. Spinnerets 224, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, 238 are configured to electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning different compounds. In the illustrated embodiment, spinnerets 224, 230, 232, 238 are individually configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange membrane layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer. Spinneret 228 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a resin, wherein the resin is a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange polymer layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer. Spinnerets 226 and 234 are configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifiigal spinning catalysts, for example the same catalysts. Spinneret 236 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifiigal spinning a further resin, wherein the further resin is a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange polymer layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer.

[0210] Preferably, spinnerets 224 and 230 provides a cation exchange polymer and spinneret 228 provides a resin, wherein the resin comprises a cation exchange polymer, and spinnerets 232 and 238 provides an anion exchange polymer and spinneret 236 provides a further resin, wherein the further resin comprises an anion exchange polymer. Alternatively, spinnerets 224 and 230 provides an anion exchange polymer and spinneret 228 provides a resin, wherein the resin comprises an anion exchange polymer, and spinnerets 232 and 238 provides a cation exchange polymer and spinneret 236 provides a further resin, wherein the further resin comprises a cation exchange polymer.

[0211] Electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifiigal spinning the cation exchange polymer, the anion exchange polymer, the resin, catalyst, and further resin enables the formation of bipolar membrane 240.

[0212] Bipolar membrane 240 is provided to pressing means 98. Pressing means 98 comprises rolls 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110. Rolls 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 may press at various pressure and may have different temperatures compared to one or more of the other rolls. Pressing means 98 enables the formation of pressed bipolar membrane 242, which is guide away from pressing means 98 using guiding means 114.

[0213] Furthermore, system 220 may comprise splitting means 116, wherein splitting means 116 is configured for splitting substrate 82 from pressed bipolar membrane 242.

[0214] In an illustrated embodiment (Figure 10) schematic system 250 for assembling a bipolar membrane according to the method of invention comprising a catalyst layer is shown.

[0215] System 250 comprises a continuous supply and transport of substrate 82 in a process direction, wherein substrate 82 is guided using guiding means 84 and 86. Guiding means 84 and 86 are configured for positioning substrate 82 in the desired position. Substrate 82 is continuously supplied to electrospinning chamber and / or electro spraying chamber and / or centrifugal spinning chamber and / or electrocentrifugal spinning chamber 252, wherein chamber 252 is provided with spinnerets 254, 256, 258, 260. Spinnerets 254, 256, 258, 260 are configured to electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning different compounds.

[0216] In the illustrated embodiment, spinneret 260 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange membrane layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer. Spinneret 254 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a resin, wherein the resin is a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange polymer layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer. Spinneret 256 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifiigal spinning a catalyst. Spinneret 258 is configured for electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifiigal spinning a further resin, wherein the further resin is a cation exchange polymer forming a cation exchange polymer layer, or an anion exchange polymer forming an anion exchange membrane layer.

[0217] Preferably, spinneret 260 provides a cation exchange polymer and spinneret 254 provides a resin, wherein the resin comprises a cation exchange polymer, and spinneret 258 provides a further resin, wherein the further resin comprises an anion exchange polymer. Alternatively, spinneret 260 provides an anion exchange polymer and spinneret 254 provides a resin, wherein the resin comprises an anion exchange polymer, and spinneret 258 provides a further resin, wherein the further resin comprises a cation exchange polymer. Alternatively, spinneret 260 provides a cation exchange polymer and spinneret 258 provides a further resin, wherein the further resin comprises a cation exchange polymer, and spinneret 254 provides a resin, wherein the resin comprises an anion exchange polymer. Alternatively, spinneret 260 provides an anion exchange polymer and spinneret 258 provides a further resin, wherein the further resin comprises an anion exchange polymer, and spinneret 254 provides a resin, wherein the resin comprises a cation exchange polymer.

[0218] Electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifiigal spinning the cation exchange polymer, the anion exchange polymer, the resin, catalyst, and further resin enables the formation of bipolar membrane 262.

[0219] Bipolar membrane 262 is provided to pressing means 98. Pressing means 98 comprises rolls 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110. Rolls 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 may press at various pressure and may have different temperatures compared to one or more of the other rolls. Pressing means 98 enables the formation of pressed bipolar membrane 264, which is guide away from pressing means 98 using guiding means 114. Furthermore, system 250 may comprise splitting means 116, wherein splitting means 116 is configured for splitting substrate 82 from pressed bipolar membrane 264.

[0220] The bipolar membrane according to the invention has been tested for its capability of water dissociation by means of electrochemical characterization. The bipolar membrane assembled with the method according to the invention has been compared in terms of the catalytic water dissociation in H+and OH’ following: with commercially available bipolar membranes (Fumasep FBM, Fumatech GmbH, Germany). This commercially available bipolar membrane is, to the best of our knowledge, the best performing commercially available bipolar membrane at the time of filing.

[0221] It was found that the bipolar membrane according to the inventions provides at least similar results for water dissociation.

[0222] The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments and / or experiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Method for continuously assembling a bipolar membrane, comprising the steps of: continuously supplying and transporting a substrate in a process direction; applying, during transporting in the process direction, at least one catalyst layer to the substrate, wherein applying the at least one catalyst layer comprises the steps of:- electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a resin;- electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a catalyst; and- electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a further resin; and providing at least one cation exchange membrane layer and providing at least one anion exchange membrane layer that are operatively connected to each of the other layers, wherein all layers extend in a plane containing the process direction.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is one of the at least one cation exchange membrane layer or is one of the at least one anion exchange membrane layer.

3. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of providing at least one cation exchange membrane layer comprises the step of electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning one or more cation exchange membrane layers comprising a cation exchange polymer.

4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of providing at least one anion exchange membrane layer comprises the step of electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning one or more anion exchange membrane layers comprising an anion exchange polymer.

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate is a roll-to-roll substrate.

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate is a porous non-woven layer, a porous woven layer, and / or a porous extruded layer.

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of applying, during transporting in the process direction, at least one catalyst layer to the substrate, comprises applying at least two catalyst layers.

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein the catalyst layers are separated by at least one cation exchange membrane layer and / or at least one anion exchange membrane layer.

9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of providing at least one further cation exchange membrane layer.

10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of providing at least one further anion exchange membrane layer.

11. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning a catalyst comprises gradually electrospinning and / or electro spraying and / or centrifugal spinning and / or electrocentrifugal spinning the catalyst.

12. Method according to claim 11, wherein the concentration of the catalyst declines in a direction extending from substantially the middle of the catalyst layer to an adjacent layer.

13. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the catalyst is one or more selected from the group of porous silica materials, aluminium silicates, zeolites, organic catalysts.

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein the organic catalyst is one or more selected from the group of poly(4-vinylphenol), polyethylene glycol.

15. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the catalyst is one or more selected from the group of MCM-41, TiO2. IrO2, Al(0H)3, graphene oxide, graphite oxide, ZIF-7, ZIF-8, ZIF-90, MOF-5, IRMOF-1, HKUST-1, CuTPA, SiO2, Mn(HC00)2.

16. Method according to claim 15, wherein the catalyst is MCM-41.

17. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resin, and / or the cation exchange polymer, when dependent on claim 3, is one or more cation exchange polymer selected from the group of sulfonated poly ether ether ketone, a copolymer of polytetrafluoroethylene) andpolysulfonyl fluoride vinyl ether, sulfonated poly (2,6-dimethyl-l,4-phenylene oxide), sulfonated poly ether sulfone.

18. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the further resin, and / or the anion exchange polymer, when dependent on claim 4, is one or more independently selected from the group of quatemized poly(p-phenylene oxide), quatemized polyepichlorhydrine, poly(spirobiindane-aryl ether sulfone) copolymers, polyethylene oxide, quatemized polyethersulfone, FAA-3.

19. Method according to claim 17 and / or 18, wherein the resin and / or each cation exchange polymer is sulfonated poly ether ether ketone, and / or the further resin and / or each anion exchange polymer is FAA-3.

20. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resin, and / or further resin, and / or cation exchange polymer when dependent on claim 3, and / or anion exchange polymer when dependent on claim 4, are dissolved and / or dispersed in a solvent and / or dispersant, wherein for each resin and / or further resin, and / or cation exchange polymer, and / or anion exchange polymer the solvent and / or dispersant is one or more independently selected from the group of dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, propanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, A-methyl -2 -pyrrolidone.

21. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the catalyst is dissolved and / or dispersed in a solvent and / or dispersant, wherein the solvent and / or dispersant is one or more selected from the group of water, methanol, ethanol, propanol.

22. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of pressing, preferably the step of pressing comprising the step of hot-pressing.

23. Method according to claim 22, wherein the step of pressing comprises one or more intermediate steps of pressing.

24. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of removing the substrate after the steps of applying, during transporting in the process direction, at least one catalyst layer, providing at least one cation exchange membrane layer, and providing at least one anion exchange membrane layer.

25. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of conditioning the bipolar membrane.

26. Method according to claim 25, wherein the step of conditioning is performed in an aqueous solution of sodium chloride comprising a concentration in the range of 0.5 M to 1.5 M, preferably in the range of 0.75 M to 1.25 M, more preferably about 1 M.

27. Bipolar membrane obtainable by the method according to any one of the claims 1 to 26.

28. Bipolar membrane according to claim 27, comprising: one or more cation exchange membrane layer; one or more catalyst layer, which is operatively coupled with the one or more cation exchange membrane layer; and one or more anion exchange membrane layer, which is operatively coupled with the one or more cation exchange membrane layer and one or more catalyst layer, wherein the catalyst layer comprises a catalyst which is configured gradually in the catalyst layer such that the concentration of the catalyst declines in a direction extending from substantially the middle of the catalyst layer to an adjacent layer.

29. Bipolar membrane according to claim 27 of 28, wherein the catalyst is one or more selected from the group of MCM-41, TiO2. IrO2, A1(OH)3, graphene oxide, graphite oxide, ZIF-7, ZIF-8, ZIF-90, MOF-5, IRMOF-1, HKUST-1, CuTPA, SiO2, Mn(HC00)2.

30. Bipolar membrane according to claim 27, 28, or 29, wherein the one or more cation exchange membrane layer comprises a cation exchange polymer selected from the group of sulfonated poly ether ether ketone, a copolymer of polytetrafluoroethylene) and polysulfonyl fluoride vinyl ether, sulfonated poly (2,6-dimethyl-l,4-phenylene oxide), sulfonated polyether sulfone.

31. Bipolar membrane according to any one of the claims 27 to 30, wherein the one or more anion exchange membrane layer comprises an anion exchange polymer selected from the group of quatemized poly(p-phenylene oxide), quatemized polyepichlorhydrine, poly(spirobiindane-aryl ether sulfone) copolymers, polyethylene oxide, quatemized polyethersulfone, FAA-3.

32. Use of a bipolar membrane according to any one of the claims 27 to 31 in hydrogen production, acid-base flow batteries, fuel cells, carbon dioxide capture, and / or inorganic and / or organic acid-base production and / or recovery.

33. Use of the bipolar membrane according to claim 32, wherein the bipolar membrane comprises a current density of at least 1000 A m-2having an overpotential of less than 100 mV.

34. System comprising a bipolar membrane according to any one of the claims 27 to 31.

Images