An approach to increase the permselectivity and mono-valent ion selectivity of cation-exchange membranes by introduction of amorphous zirconium phosphate nanoparticles

This paper addresses hybrid ion exchange membranes fabricated by the synthesis of amorphous zirconium phosphate (dopant contents from 0.5 to 24 wt%) directly in the pore and channel system of heterogeneous cation-exchange membrane RALEX® CM (by in situ technique). The incorporation of zirconium phosphate nanoparticles into the membrane system of pores and channels leads to the displacement of the pore water. As a result, the cation transport numbers increase. The hybrid materials thus obtained are characterized by increased ionic resistance and enhanced monovalent ion selectivity. The former effect was eliminated by fabrication of a surface-modified membrane. The relative simplicity of modification, together with the benefits of the hybrid materials make them promising for some membrane processes. Using 31P MAS NMR and elemental analysis, considerable difference between the zirconium phosphate composition inside and outside the membrane was found.