Cation Exchange Nanocomposite Membrane Containing Mg(OH)2 Nanoparticles: Characterization and Transport Properties

In this study, ion exchange nanocomposite membranes was prepared by addition of Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles to a blend containing sulfonated polyphenylene oxide and sulfonated polyvinylchloride via a simple casting method. Magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles were synthesized via a facile sono-chemical reaction and were selected as filler additive in fabrication of ion exchange nanocomposite membranes. Nanoparticles and nanocomposites were then characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The effect of nanoparticles loading on physicochemical and electrochemical properties of prepared cation exchange nanocomposite membranes was studied. The membranes performance was evaluated by membrane potential, transport number, permselectivity, ionic permeability, flux of ions and membrane oxidative stability. Various characterizations revealed that the addition of different amounts of inorganic fillers could affect the membrane performance. The inorganic nanoparticles not only created extra pores and water channels that led to ion conductivity enhancement, but also improved transport number, permselectivity and flux of ions.