• Membrane Journal
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.152-161
• /
• 2015

In this study, novel pore-filled anion-exchange membranes (PFAEMs) with low electrical resistance, high permselectivity, and low water-splitting flux property under a concentration polarization condition have been developed for the enhancement in the efficiency of electrochemical water treatment processes. The base membranes have been prepared by filling a copolymer containing quaternary ammonium groups with an excellent ion-exchange capability into a porous polyolefin substrate, showing a high performance superior to that of a commercial membrane. In addition, it was confirmed that the electrochemical membrane performances are preserved while the water-splitting flux is effectively controlled by coating an imidazolium polymer onto the surface of the base membrane. The prepared PFAEMs revealed remarkably low electrical resistances of about 1/6~1/8 compared to those of a commercial membrane, and simultaneously low water-splitting flux comparable with that of cation-exchange membranes under a concentration polarization condition.