Evaluation of the Durability of a New Water-Based Membrane Containing Copper Chloride

Abstract

The durability of a new water-based membrane containing copper chloride, used to remove the toxic hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas, was evaluated. The pouring method was used to fabricate the membrane. The membrane contained water-based resin (15% polyamide), aluminum silicate, technosol, CuCl2.2H2O, distilled water and ethyl alcohol as the solvent. The resistance of the membrane against 1 M HCl, 1 M NH3, 30% H2O2, 1 M HNO3, 1 M NaOH, sunlight, and pure water was investigated. The changes in the surface morphology of the membrane treated under these conditions for over two weeks were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a digital microscope. The Energy Distribution Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis was performed to confirm the gas capture ability of the membrane surface. The structural analysis of the membrane was performed by the X-ray diffractometry (XRD) analysis. Based on the results, the chemicals affecting the membrane morphology were identified. The results also showed that the water-based membrane was characterized by a certain adsorption capacity, and this membrane might be used as an eco-friendly alternative to the currently used materials.