Abstract
This paper addresses hybrid ion exchange membranes fabricated by the synthesis of amorphous zirconiumphosphate (dopant contents from 0.5 to 24 wt%) directly in the pore and channel system of heterogeneouscation-exchange membrane RALEX® CM (by in situ technique). The incorporation of zirconium phosphate nanoparticlesinto the membrane system of pores and channels leads to the displacement of the pore water. As aresult, the cation transport numbers increase. The hybrid materials thus obtained are characterized by increasedionic resistance and enhanced monovalent ion selectivity. The former effect was eliminated by fabrication of asurface-modified membrane. The relative simplicity of modification, together with the benefits of the hybridmaterials 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 wasfound.