Synthesis, characterization, thermal behaviour and transport properties of polyvinyl chloride based zirconium phosphate composite membrane

• Study on charge transport properties of heavy metals.
• The composite membrane was found to stable in all media.
• The order of charge effectiveness HgCl2 < PbCl2 < CdCl2.
• Separation capability of membranes for heavy metals.

The polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based zirconium phosphate composite membrane was synthesized by co-precipitation method. The composite membrane was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The order of charge effectiveness was found to be HgCl2 < PbCl2 < CdCl2. This composite membrane showed potential applications in the area of separation of heavy metal ions from wastewater because of good stabilities, long lifetimes and cost effectiveness.

Plots of membrane potential (theoretical and observed) (mV) versus −log C2 (mol/l) at different concentrations of HgCl2 electrolyte solution for PVC based zirconium phosphate composite membrane.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide