Fabrication of mixed matrix heterogeneous ion-exchange membrane modified by carbon nano tubes coated with Ag nanolayers

In the current study nanocomposite polyvinyl chloride/multi walled carbon nano tubes-co-silver nanolayercomposite nanoparticles heterogeneous ion exchange membranes were prepared by solution casting techniques. TheMWCNTs-co-Ag nanolayer composite nanoparticles were prepared by magnetron sputtering method. The effect ofcomposite nanoparticles concentration on physico-chemical properties of membranes was studied. The SEM, TEMresults showed uniform distribution and crystalline structure for deposited Ag nanolayer/nanoparticles on theMWCNTs' surface. Membrane potential, transport number and selectivity were improved by increase of additivecontent in membrane matrix. The mechanical stability of prepared membranes was also improved by increase ofMWCNTs-co-Ag nanolayer composite nanoparticles ratio in membrane matrix. The modified membrane containing4%wt composite nanoparticles showed better electrochemical properties compared to others.

Keywords:

Nanocomposite membrane , MWCNTs-co-silver nanolayer composite nanoparticles , Magnetronsputtering method , Plasma treatment , Physico/chemical characterization