Fabrication of Mixed Matrix ion Exchange Membrane by Using Activated Carbon Nanoparticles Modified by Chitosan: Investigation of Electrolyte Concentration and pH Effects on Transfer Properties

In this research, the effect of electrolyte concentration and pH effects on transfer properties of mixed matrix cation exchange membranes filled with activated carbon nanoparticles modified by chitosan was studied. Moreover, the scanning optical microscopy images showed uniform particles dispersion and uniform surface for the membranes. The membrane water content and ion exchange capacity of nanocomposite membranes were improved.  The membrane potential, selectivity and areal electrical resistance were enhanced initially and then decreased. Also, the selectivity of mixed matrix membrane was increased initially by increase in electrolyte concentration and then showed decreasing behaviour by more increase in electrolyte concentration. Moreover, obtained results exhibited more selectivity for the membranes at neutral condition in comparison with acidic or base regions. The areal electrical resistance of membranes was also decreased by increase in electrolyte concentration. Moreover, an increase in electrolyte pH initially caused that membrane areal electrical resistance enhanced however areal electrical resistance declined again at higher pH values. The ionic flux of prepared membrane showed an alternative trend when additive ratios were increased. Finally, the transfer properties of membranes showed that the modified membranes in this study were comparable with that of commercial ones.