Preparation and characterization of organic–inorganic hybrid anion-exchange membranes for electrodialysis

Organic–inorganic hybrid anion-exchange membranes were prepared from quaternized chitosan, anion-exchange silica precursor and poly(vinyl alcohol) by the sol–gel method in acidic condition (pH 2). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection mode, scanning electron microscopy and wide angle X-ray diffraction technique were used to confirm the functional groups in the membranes and their surface morphology. Physicochemical and electrochemical properties of the prepared membranes were determined in detail. The electro-osmotic study was conducted to determine the equivalent pore radius of the membranes. The membranes were used in electrodialytic removal of (0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 M) NaCl solution at 3 V applied potential.