Nanocomposite polyvinyl chloride-based heterogeneous cation exchange membrane prepared by synthesized ZnQ2 nanoparticles: Ionic behavior and morphological characterization

In this study, bis (8-hydroxyquinoline) zinc (ZnQ2) nanoparticles were synthesized and used in heterogeneous cation exchange membranes. The resulting membranes were examined in terms of membrane morphology and electrochemical features. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the successful formation of ZnQ2 nanoparticles. Scanning Optical Microscopy (SOM) images of the prepared membranes showed a relatively uniform membrane surface. It was found that membrane water uptake and surface hydrophilicity were enhanced in the presence of ZnQ2 nanoparticles. The membrane potential, transport number and permselectivity were also improved by increasing the additive concentration up to 8 wt% and then showed a decreasing trend. In addition, the sodium permeability/flux, electrical conductivity and mechanical stability were significantly increased by using ZnQ2 content ratios up to 4 wt% and then declined by a further increase of the concentration from 4 to 16 wt%. Furthermore, the modified membranes containing ZnQ2 showed a rougher surface slightly compared to pristine membrane.