| Ion exchange membranes were studied to provide further understanding of their uses in separation processes. The study separated into 3 parts, fabricating ion exchange membranes, characterization and testing of the membranes, and modeling of the membrane transport. In the first part, cation exchange membranes are fabricated by polymerization of monomer mixtures consisting of styrene and divinylbenzene, and subsequently treated with sulfuric acid to introduce fixed charges into the membranes. In the second part, the membranes are characterized with scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope, and tested to determine crosslink density, capacity, pore size, and transport properties. In the last part of the study, the transport model in the membrane is introduced. The prepared membranes show promising properties that should be suitable for various applications, such as desalination, and recovery of metal cations. |
