Synthesis of SGO composite interpenetrating network (CIPN) cation exchange membranes: Stability and salt removal efficiency

Current study demonstrate the alternative route for synthesis of interpenetrating network (IPN) type composite cation exchange membranes (CEM) based on PVC-St/DVB with different content sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO) via simple solution casting method. First, the synthesis of GO was confirmed by TEM and XRD analysis. Functional group characterization of GO and SGO was done by using FT-IR spectroscopy. Water content related assets like water uptake, linear expansion ratio, and ion transport properties like: ion exchange capacity, ionic conductivity of composite IPN membranes were evaluated. Ion exchange capacity and ionic conductivity for PM-5 IPN CEM was found to highest with values of 1.76 meq/g and 4.7x10(-3) S/cm, respectively. Thermal and mechanical stabilities of prepared membrane were characterized by TGA, DSC, DMA and UTM analysis. Composite interpenetrating network cation exchange membranes (IPN CEM) show better thermal and mechanical stability in comparison with virgin membrane. The suitability of synthesized composite IPN membranes towards electro-membrane processes was evaluated against salt removal by electrodialysis for water desalination. Power consumption and current efficiency during salt removal for PM-5 IPN CEM composite membrane was found to be 1.07 kWh/kg and 82% respectively which was superior among the IPN membrane.