Used as a highly effective scale inhibitor in water treatment systems, particularly in cooling towers and desalination plants. Its strong affinity for metal ions helps prevent the formation of calcium and magnesium scales. Also employed in detergent formulations to enhance cleaning efficiency by sequestering hardness ions. Shows promise in metal ion recovery and separation processes due to its selective binding properties. Additionally, investigated for use in proton-conductive membranes for fuel cells because of its ability to retain and conduct protons under low-humidity conditions.