Polymer membrane could tap huge reserves of ‘blue energy’ from estuaries’ salt gradients
Solution to performance stalemate means tidal rivers’ vast electrochemical power could be harnessed
Commercial ‘blue energy’ is one step closer with the development of a new ion-exchange membrane that dramatically increases the efficiency of energy generation from the salt concentration gradients which exist where a river meets the sea. This membrane overcomes the performance stalemate which has hindered the development of this renewable resource, using a self-assembled polymer to create an ordered nanostructure for ion filtration.