Asymmetric Membrane Capacitive Deionization using Anion-Exchange Membranes based on Quaternized Polymer Blends

Robert Mcnair, Levente Cseri, Gyorgy Szekely, Robert A.w. Dryfe

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) for water desalination is an innovative technique that could help to solve the global water scarcity problem. However, the development of the MCDI field is hindered by the limited choice of ion-exchange membranes. Desalination by MCDI removes the salt (solute) from the water (solvent); which can drastically reduce energy consumption compared to traditional desalination practices such as distillation. Herein, we outline the fabrication and characterization of quaternized anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) based on polymer blends of polyethylenimine (PEI) and polybenzimidazole (PBI) that provides an efficient membrane for MCDI. Flat sheet polymer membranes were prepared by solution casting, heat treatment and phase inversion, followed by modification to impart anion-exchange character. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier-Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to characterize the morphology and chemical composition of the membranes. The as-prepared membranes displayed high ion-exchange capacity (IEC), hydrophilicity, permselectivity and low area resistance. Due to the addition of PEI, the high density of quaternary ammonium groups increased the IEC and permselectivity of the membranes, while reducing the area resistance relative to pristine PBI AEMs. Our PEI/PBI membranes were successfully employed in asymmetric MCDI for brackish water desalination and exhibited an increase in both salt adsorption capacity (>3x) and charge efficiency (>2x) relative to membrane-free CDI. The use of quaternized polymer blend membranes could help to achieve the greater realization of industrial scale MCDI.
Original languageEnglish
JournalACS Applied Polymer Materials
Early online date1 Jun 2020
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 1 Jun 2020

Keywords

  • anion-exchange membrane
  • quaternization
  • polymer blend
  • water desalination
  • membrane capacitive deionization
  • water purification

Research Beacons, Institutes and Platforms

  • National Graphene Institute

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
  • SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

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