Effect of Support Morphology on Supported Membrane Performance
Abstract
The paper reports on a study of the effect of microporous support structure and impregnation method on the conductivity of supported membranes in an alkaline environment. Microporous PTFE membranes (Goretex) were impregnated with a Nafion solution consisting of 5 wt% sulfonic acid resin in a mixture of lower aliphatic alcohols and water. The supported membranes were prepared using three impregnation techniques: ultrasonic impregnation; vacuum impregnation; and pressure impregnation. Data are presented showing the effect of single and multiple ultrasonic impregnations on the membrane voltage drop for two support materials. In both cases the conductivity of the supported membrane decreased with multiple impregnations. The paper also discusses the effect of vacuum versus pressure and vacuum versus ultrasonic impregnation on the voltage drop. In both cases, vacuum impregnation yielded the poorest conductivity. The weight uptake of Nafion was measured for the three impregnation techniques, but no significant difference was observed.
Recommended Citation
E. J. Taylor et al., "Effect of Support Morphology on Supported Membrane Performance," American Institute of Chemical Engineers, National Meeting, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), Jan 1987.
Meeting Name
AIChE National Meeting (1987: Houston, TX)
Department(s)
Physics
Keywords and Phrases
Polytetrafluoroethylene; Goretex; Nafion; Pressure Impregnation; Supported Membranes; Ultrasonic Impregnation; Vacuum Impregnation; Membranes
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 1987 American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 1987
