Synthesis and characterization of stable anion exchange membranes for desalination applications

Abstract

This research reports the synthesis of stable anion exchange membranes (AEMs) from brominated poly (2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (BPPO) and triethylamine (TEA) for desalination applications. The successful synthesis of AEMs was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Prepared membranes exhibited dense morphology. The physico-chemical properties of developed membranes were discussed in detail. They exhibited ion exchange capacity of 0.39 mmol/g to 1.98 mmol/g, water uptake of 6.90% to 18.27%, linear expansion ratio of 1.20-10.76 %, and tensile strength of 8.76 MPa to 21.41 MPa. Prepared membranes (M3 & M4) were used in desalination of NaCl by electrodialysis (ED) and their performance was compared with commercial membrane Neosepta AMX under same experimental conditions. These selected membranes showed better desalination performance than commercial membrane Neosepta AMX under similar experimental conditions. 2018, Desalination Publications. All rights reserved.