New ionomer membranes for blue energy - making water trees useful

Blue energy is the energy gained from the difference between fresh and salt water. As this type of power generation does not consume fossil fuel, it belongs to the green energy sources, i.e., a type of sustainable energy. There are two methods of blue power generation: osmosis and reverse electro-dialysis. Both types require membranes. The paper explains the background of this promising type of power generation, the possibilities, the role of ionomer membranes and a promising new method to product ionomers by water treeing.