General Product Information

BPM-C60 is a bipolar membrane (BPM) composed of a cation exchange layer (CEL), an anion exchange layer (AEL), and a water dissociation catalyst. Under reverse bias, the membrane promotes water dissociation into H⁺ and OH⁻ ions. BPM-C60 is designed for acid and base production via bipolar membrane electrodialysis and is also suitable for a range of other electrochemical applications.

Electrochemical Performance

Polarization curve for BPM-C60 bipolar membrane is given below.  These results are measured by using a custom laboratory stack assembly (acid/base inlet: 0.5 M NaCl, acid/base outlet: 0.1-1M HCl/NaOH).

Delivery Form

BPM-C60 is supplied as a dry sheet on a backing film and should be kept that way until use.

Safety, Handling, and Storage

Handle membranes with clean gloves or forceps to prevent contamination and physical damage. Do not fold, stretch, or expose membranes to sharp objects. The dry membranes may contain trace amounts of residual solvent, therefore, use only in well-ventilated areas and avoid direct skin contact. For storage, keep membranes in a sealed container in a dry, ventilated environment, away from direct light. When stored properly, the membranes have a shelf life of 2 years.

Preparation and Pretreatment

To remove the membrane from the backer, apply a piece of tape to the membrane side of the notched corner and lift to remove the membrane from the backer. Once the corner lifts, gently peel until one full edge is free. Then roll the backing material under while lightly dragging it away from the membrane. Work smoothly, fast enough to avoid creases but not so fast that the membrane tears at the edge.

Store membranes dry and on the backer until use. Prior to use, pretreat membrane by soaking for 24 hours in 0.5M NaCl or in a mild salt solution relevant to the application. When soaking membranes, keep them flat and dunk them into solutions one at a time. Hold each corner down for 30 seconds once submerged to prevent curling. Do not pour solution on top of the membranes or try to wet multiple samples at the same time.

Orientation and Operation

Correct orientation during stacking and operation is critical to achieving proper operation and performance. BPM-C60 is delivered in sheet form as a rectangle with a small notch in one corner. When the membrane is oriented as shown in the diagram to the right, the AEL is facing up. Take great care to maintain this orientation when cutting, punching, stacking, etc. Once stacked, the CEL should be facing the cathode and the AEL should be facing the anode.

Cation exchange layer is in direct contact with the backing film and anion exchange layer is away from the backing film. During removal of the bipolar membrane from the backing film care needs to be given in order to prevent accidental orientation change since the AEL and CEL faces are not labeled for this product.

Note

This product is currently in beta release and is made available for evaluation and testing purposes only. It may contain inconsistencies or undergo changes before final release. The membrane manufacturer strives for a high standard of quality. They do not guarantee full functionality, stability, or performance during this beta stage for all different applications present in the market. By using this beta version, the customers acknowledge that the product is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind. Feedback and observations shared by the customers will be greatly appreciated and will be forwarded to the membrane manufacturer in order to further the advancements in this product. 

A typical lead time of 1-2 weeks is to be expected for this product.