Enhancing Electrochemical Performance of Heterogeneous Cation Exchange Membranes by Using Super Activated Carbon Nanoparticles

Abstract

Polyvinylchloride (PVC) based heterogeneous cation exchange membranes were prepared by the solution casting technique. The effect of super activated carbon nanoparticles concentration as filler additive in membrane matrix on ionic transfer behaviors of the membrane was studied. SOM images showed uniform particles distribution and relatively uniform surfaces for the membranes. The membrane water content was improved initially by using of super activated carbon nanoparticles up to 0.5 %wt in the casting solution and then began to decrease by more increase of nanoparticles content ratios from 0.5 to 4 %wt. Utilizing of activated carbon nanoparticles in the casting solution also led to increase of water contact angle, membrane ion exchange capacity, fixed ionic concentration, membrane potential, transport number and membrane selectivity obviously.An Opposite trend was observed for the membrane electrical resistance. The sodium flux/permeability was also enhanced initially by increase of nanoparticles concentration up to 0.5 %wt and then decreased slightly by more increase of nanoparticles loading ratios from 0.5 to 1 %wt. The sodium flux was sharply enhanced again by more increase of nanoparticles concentration form 1 to 4 %wt. The membrane transport number and selectivity were increased initially by increase of electrolyte concentration and then showed decreasing trend. The membranes showed higher transport number and selectivity at neutral pH compared to other pH values. The ED results showed that dialytic rate of lead ions was increased by utilizing of super activated carbon nanoparticles in the membrane matrix.