Improving ion-exchange membrane properties by the role of nanoparticles

Abstract

Abstract. Extensive application of synthetic ion-exchange membrane (IEM) in many areas has necessitated the improvement of their properties. Recently, the introduction of nanoparticles into polymeric membrane has attracted growing interest since the combination of both materials results in better properties. This well-known mixed-matrix membrane exhibits superior characteristics compared to an individual polymeric membrane. Properties of the nanoparticles such as electrical conductivity, hydrophilicity, and adsorption capacity can be utilized to produce the IEM with better physicochemical, electrochemical, and mechanical characteristics. The nanoparticles may also be used to achieve a specific characteristic such as an antibacterial property and monovalent ion permselectivity. In this paper, preparation, the role of inorganic materials and performance of mixed-matrix IEM are reviewed. In addition, challenges facing mixed-matrix IEM and strategies taken to overcome those challenges and future perspectives are discussed.

Three-Dimensional Stable Cation-Exchange Membrane with Enhanced Mechanical, Electrochemical, and Antibacterial Performance by in Situ Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles

“…20,29−31,43 The presence AgNPs dispersed not only onto the surface but also inside of the membrane, determining the surface hydrophilicity and induced microphase structure of hydrophilic/hydrophobic separation in CEMs, which was crucial for the ion-transport behavior in the performance of IEMs. 43,44 The optimized sample with excellent dispersion and decoration was 60SPSF-C3#-Ag-2. Figure 1c exhibits the diffractograms of the prepared CEMs with different amounts of AgNPs [60SPSF, 60SPSF-C3# and 60SPSF-C3#-Ag- X ( X = 1–3)].…”

“…The mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites depended on the dispersion of nanoparticles within the polymer matrix and the interfacial bonding established between the nanofiller and the polymer matrix, 44,45 which was suitable for AgNP-loaded CEMs. To investigate the effects of loaded AgNPs in the polymer matrix on membrane’s mechanical properties, the analysis of the tensile strength and elongation at break properties was carried out.…”

Surface Modifications of Anion Exchange Membranes for an Improved Reverse Electrodialysis Process Performance: A Review

“…The authors claimed that a better understanding of the fouling mechanisms and the role of the fouling layer on membrane permselectivity was still required to move forward in this fouling deposition technology. The use of nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles (NPs), was reported to be one of the most promising techniques to modify membrane properties, like permselectivity, roughness, and morphology, including antifouling characteristics, even though the NP loading must be controlled to avoid inaccessibility to fixed functional groups, which might lead to membrane conductivity and permselectivity losses [66].…”

“…The use of nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles (NPs), was reported to be one of the most promising techniques to modify membrane properties, like permselectivity, roughness, and morphology, including antifouling characteristics, even though the NP loading must be controlled to avoid inaccessibility to fixed functional groups, which might lead to membrane conductivity and permselectivity losses [ 66 ]. For example, a commercial polyethylene AEM was modified by physical coating using sulfonated poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (sPPO) and two nanomaterials of different geometry, with optimized loadings (oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes, CNTs–COO − , or sulfonated iron oxide NPs, Fe 2 O 3 –SO 4 2− ), showing alterations/improvements in the membrane surface after modification (negatively charged) in terms of hydrophilicity and homogeneity, without compromising the membrane electro-resistance.…”

“…Plasma treatments also offer the possibility to produce a thin uniformly distributed layer of NPs on the membrane surface, using a vacuum reactor, a surface modifier, and gas plasma, in which the thickness of the created layer was affected by the deposition rate and time [ 53 ]. Other proposed possibilities were represented either by incorporating NPs into the polymerization procedures with heating, or through sol-gel reactions [ 66 ].…”