Development of heterogeneous cation exchange membranes using functional polymer powders for desalination applications

Heterogeneous cation exchange membranes for potential electrodialysis (ED) seawater desalination were fabricated using poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) as binder and functional polymer powders (sPSt-co-DVB) as polyelectrolyte by a cost effective hot-press process. Physical and electrochemical properties of the prepared membranes were investigated to evaluate the suitability of this method for membrane formation in ED desalination applications. The results revealed that the concentration of resin particles in the membrane matrix affects the ion exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake and fixed ion concentration of the composite membrane, which in turn improves the electrochemical properties of the heterogeneous membrane. The prepared composite showed excellent performance in the desalination of NaCl solution by ED, which was remarkably better than the performance of commercial Qianqiu (R) heterogeneous membrane. These developed membranes by this technique can be used as decent applicants suitable for ED desalination. (C) 2016 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.