Preparation and characterization of PVC based heterogeneous ion exchange membrane coated with Ag nanoparticles by (thermal-plasma) treatment assisted surface modification

PVC based heterogeneous cation exchange membranes were prepared by solution casting technique. Ag nanoparticles were also utilized as surface modifier by plasma treatment. Thermal treatment was used to improve the Ag nanoparticles stability on membrane surface. The effect of treating temperature on separation characteristics of coated membranes was studied. SEM images showed membrane rugosity increasing by the increase of treating temperature. Transport number, selectivity and permeability were enhanced initially by increase of treating temperature up to 80 degrees C and then showed decreasing trend. Conversely membrane resistance showed opposite trend. Modified membrane at 80 degrees C showed better performance compared to others. (C) 2012 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.