Streaming potential characterization of LBL membranes on porous ceramic supports

Abstract

AbstractAn in‐situ characterization of the growth of the self‐assembled polyelectrolyte membranes on the porous support was conducted by applying transmembrane streaming potential measurement via surface charge monitoring. The membranes were prepared by layer‐by‐layer alternative deposition of poly (allylamine hydrochloride) and poly (styrenesulfonate) on porous ceramic supports. The surface charge variations of membranes as functions of different top‐assembled materials and numbers of deposited cycles were investigated. Different top‐assembled materials make isoelectric points of the as‐prepared membranes drift in opposite directions and also lead to symmetrical signal changes of zeta‐potential in salt solutions at the isoelectric points of the supports. Ex‐situ characterizations, including scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, also confirm the alternative deposition of polyelectrolytes. It is demonstrated that the transmembrane streaming potential measurement is effective in studying the growth of layer‐by‐layer membranes on porous support. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007