Ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) are integral to electrochemical technologies utilized in water purification, energy generation, and energy storage. The effectiveness of these technologies is contingent upon the selective and rapid permeation of ions through IEMs. However, like most synthetic membranes, IEMs exhibit a trade-off between selectivity and permeability. Understanding the fundamental basis for this trade-off is essential for developing membranes that overcome this limitation. In this study, we present and validate a model that predicts the conductivity–selectivity trade-off in IEMs. We use this framework to assess the membrane structural properties that yield membranes at the frontier of this trade-off and then explore the potential for advancements in IEM design. Notably, the model predicts that preparing materials with higher charge densities could enhance performance by several orders of magnitude. This analysis unfolds a blueprint for substantial advancements in membrane design, potentially catalyzing breakthroughs in technologies for clean water and energy.

中文翻译：

---

预测离子交换膜的电导率-选择性权衡和上限

离子交换膜 (IEM) 是水净化、能源生产和能源存储中使用的电化学技术不可或缺的一部分。这些技术的有效性取决于离子通过 IEM 的选择性和快速渗透。然而，与大多数合成膜一样，IEM 表现出选择性和渗透性之间的权衡。了解这种权衡的基本依据对于开发克服这一限制的膜至关重要。在这项研究中，我们提出并验证了一个预测 IEM 中电导率与选择性权衡的模型。我们使用这个框架来评估膜结构特性，从而在这种权衡的前沿产生膜，然后探索 IEM 设计进步的潜力。值得注意的是，该模型预测制备具有更高电荷密度的材料可以将性能提高几个数量级。该分析展现了膜设计重大进步的蓝图，有可能促进清洁水和能源技术的突破。