Tailoring the ionic transfer characteristics of polyvinyl chloride-based heterogeneous ion exchange membranes by embedding carboxy methyl cellulose in membrane channels

Abstract

Polyvinyl chloride-based heterogeneous cation exchange membranes were modified by embedding carboxy methyl cellulose in ionic transfer channels of membrane. The effect of CMC to PVC blend ratios on properties of membranes was studied. SOM images showed uniform distribution and surfaces for prepared membranes relatively. The SEM images showed uniform and dense structure for the membranes. The XRD pattern also demonstrated amorphous structure for the membranes. Membrane water content was improved from 25 to 39 % by increase of CMC concentration up to 32 %wt. Similar trend was found for membrane surface hydrophilicity. The membrane ion exchange capacity, fixed ion concentration, membrane potential, charge density, transport number, permselectivity, and ionic flux were enhanced initially by increase of CMC ratio up to 16 %wt and then began to decrease by increase in CMC concentration from 16 to 32 %wt. The membrane oxidative stability and areal electrical resistance showed decreasing trends by utilizing of carboxy methyl cellulose in the membrane matrix. Membrane transport number and selectivity were also increased by increase of electrolyte concentration. Similar trend was found for the membrane electrical conductivity by increase of electrolyte concentration. Also prepared membranes showed higher transport number, selectivity, and areal electrical resistance at pH 7 compared to other pH values.