The effects of aspect ratio of inorganic fillers on the structure and property of composite ion-exchange membranes

► Sulfonated mesoporous silica (SS) with different shapes was used as inorganic fillers. ► The composite ion-exchange membranes containing SS and sulfonated polyethersulfone were prepared. ► Aspect ratio of the fillers had significant influence on composite structures and properties. ► The composites showed very promising desalination performance in electrodialysis.