Preparation and characterization of a composite PDMS membrane on CA support

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is the most commonly used membrane material for the separation of condensable vapors from lighter gases. In this study, a composite PDMS membrane was prepared and its gas permeation properties were investigated at various upstream pressures. A microporous cellulose acetate (CA) support was initially prepared and characterized. Then, PDMS solution, containing crosslinker and catalyst, was cast over the support. Sorption and permeation of C₃H₈, CO₂, CH₄, and H₂ in the prepared composite membrane were measured. Using sorption and permeation data of gases, diffusion coefficients were calculated based on solution‐diffusion mechanism. Similar to other rubbery membranes, the prepared PDMS membrane advantageously exhibited less resistance to permeation of heavier gases, such as C₃H₈, compared to the lighter ones, such as CO₂, CH₄, and H₂. This result was attributed to the very high solubility of larger gas molecules in the hydrocarbon‐based PDMS membrane in spite of their lower diffusion coefficients relative to smaller molecules. Increasing feed pressure increased permeability, solubility, and diffusion coefficients of the heavier gases while decreased those of the lighter ones. At constant temperature (25°C), empirical linear relations were proposed for permeability, solubility, and diffusion coefficients as a function of transmembrane pressure. C₃H₈/gas solubility, diffusivity, and overall selectivities were found to increase with increasing feed pressure. Ideal selectivity values of 9, 30, and 82 for C₃H₈ over CO₂, CH₄, and H₂, respectively, at an upstream pressure of 8 atm, confirmed the outstanding separation performance of the prepared membrane. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation and characterization of Pd-Ag alloy composite membrane with magnetron sputtering

A Pd-Ag (24 wt%) alloy composite membrane was prepared by the magnetron sputtering. A γ-Al_2O_3 membrane was synthesized by the sol-gel method and used as substrate of the Pd-Ag alloy film. The process parameters of the magnetron sputtering were optimized as a function of the compactness of the Pd-Ag alloy film. The best membrane with a thickness of 1 μm was produced with a sputtering pressure of 2.7 Pa and a substrate temperature of 400℃. The membrane had an H_2/N_2 permselectivity of 51.5--1000 and an H_2 permeation rate of 0.036--1.17×10~(-5)cm~3/cm~2·s· Pa, depending on operating conditions.     

Preparation,characterization and application of a novel thermal stable composite nanofiltration membrane

A thermal stable composite membrane was prepared by interfacial polymerization of piperazine (PIP) and trimesoyl chloride (TMC) on poly(phthalazinone ether amide) (PPEA) ultrafiltration membrane. The effect of reaction parameters on the performance of composite membranes was studied and optimized. The surface morphologies of the composite membrane and the substrate were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The rejection of optimized composite membrane for dyes Congo red (CGR) and Acid chrome blue K (ACBK), the molecular weight (MW) of which is over 400, was over 99.2%, with a flux at about 180 L m⁻² h⁻¹. While the rejection for NaCl was only 18.2% with a flux over 270 L m⁻² h⁻¹, when tested at 1.0 MPa 60 °C. The composite membrane was applied in the desalination-purification experiment of dye ACBK and NaCl mixed solution. The flux of the membrane increased obviously as the operation pressure and/or temperature increased, while the rejection for dye was constant and kept over 99.3%. The purification experiments were accomplished effectively at 1.0 MPa, 80 °C. Only after five rounds of desalination-concentration experiment, about 160 min, the salt mixed in dye solution was fully removed. The initial flux of the eighth cycle was about 254 L m⁻² h⁻¹, which was only 20 L m⁻² h⁻¹ lower than that of the first round. The rejection of the membrane was constant and kept over 99.3% through out the eight cycles of purification experiment.     

Preparation and characterization of a polyimide membrane

Two different polyimide semipermeable membranes have been prepared from two base polyimides of PMDA/ODA and BTDA/ODA by incorporation of lithium chloride with the respective poly(amic acids) and subsequently leaching out the maximum possible lithium chloride by water at slightly elevated temperature. The water and various organic vapor permeability of the lithium chloride modified films has been found to be better compared to the respective control films. BTDA/ODA based polyimide films show overall lower permeability.     

Preparation and characterization of sulfonated polyimide/TiO2 composite membrane for vanadium redox flow battery

A sulfonated polyimide (SPI)/TiO₂ composite membrane was fabricated by a blend way to improve its performance in vanadium redox flow battery (VRB). Both EDS and XRD results verify the successful preparation of the SPI/TiO₂ composite membrane. The surface SEM image shows its homogeneous structure. TG analysis identifies its thermal stability. The SPI/TiO₂ composite membrane possesses much lower permeability of VO²⁺ ions (2.02?×?10^?7 cm² min^?1) and favorable proton conductivity (3.12?×?10^?2 S cm^?1). The VRB single cell with SPI/TiO₂ composite membrane shows higher coulombic efficiency (93.80–98.00 %) and energy efficiency (83.20–67.61 %) at the current density ranged from 20 to 80 mA cm^?2 compared with that with Nafion 117 membrane. And the operational stability of the as-prepared composite membrane is good after 50 times of cycling tests. Therefore, the low-cost SPI/TiO₂ composite membrane with excellent battery performance exhibits a great potential for application in VRB.     

Preparation and characterization of antimicrobial polycarbonate nanofibrous membrane

Electrospinning of polycarbonate (PC)/chloroform solution with quaternary ammonium salt (benzyl triethylammonium chloride, BTEAC) was investigated to develop antimicrobial nanofibrous membranes for ultrafiltration. With BTEAC additive, ultrafine PC fibers were continuously generated and densely mounted without the blockage of spinning tip on electrospinning. When small amounts of BTEAC were added to the PC solution, the average diameter was also decreased from several micrometers to submicron range. It was found that the conductivity of the PC solution was a major parameter affecting the morphology and diameter of the electrospun PC fibers as well as the electrospinnability of PC. The nanofibrous membranes electrospun from the PC solution with BTEAC exhibited better excellent antimicrobial activity than those prepared without BTEAC. The PC nanofibrous filter shows a good filtration efficiency to satisfy the criterion of HEPA filter, and the pressure drop of the PC filters are within the normal range. Therefore, PC nanofibrous membrane showed a great potential as a candidate for ultrafiltration, compared to a commercial HEPA filter.     

Pd-Ag/PTFE复合膜的制备及表征

本文以不同孔径的聚四氟乙烯（PTFE）为基膜，采用化学镀法分别将Ag、Pd沉积到PIFE膜孔及膜面上，制得了镀层均匀、结合力较好的Pd-Ag／PTEE复合膜，并考察了PTFE基膜孔径对镀层结合力的影响，以及化学镀工艺对金属钯沉积速率、复合膜孔结构和截面电阻率的影响。结果表明，适当的基膜孔结构有利于提高镀层结合力；PTFE膜经化学镀修饰后，孔径减小，孔径分布变窄，孔隙率降低，膜截面电阻率降低10^6数量级，且孔径减小顺序与截面电阻率减小顺序一致。     

Preparation and characterization of Nafion/SPEEK layered composite membrane and its application in vanadium redox flow battery

In order to reduce the cost of membrane used in vanadium redox flow battery (VRB) system while keeping its chemical stability, Nafion/sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) layered composite membrane (N/S membrane) consisting of a thin layer of recast Nafion membrane and a layer of SPEEK membrane were prepared by chemical crosslink the sulfonic acid groups of different ionomer membranes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and IR spectra analysis of the membrane showed that Nafion layer was successfully deposited on the SPEEK membrane surface and an integral layered membrane structure was formed. The area resistance and permeability of vanadium ions of membrane were also measured. It was found that N/S membrane have a very low permeability of vanadium ions accompanied by a little higher area resistance compared with Nafion membrane. As a result, the VRB single cell with N/S membrane exhibited higher coulombic efficiency and lower voltage efficiency compared with VRB single cell with Nafion membrane. Although N/S membrane delivered relatively lower energy efficiency compared with Nafion membrane, its good chemical stability and low cost make it a suitable substitute for Nafion membrane used in VRB system.     

Preparation and characterization of AgSt/AgC1 composite grains

AgSt/AgC1 composite gains were prepared by adding chloride ions to a mixed solvent in which silver stearate （AgSt） grains were dispersed under the condition of controlled pH value and characterized by SEM, XRD, UV and DSC. The results showed that AgSt/AgC1 composite grains were composed of plateqike AgSt grains with small face-centered cubic AgC1 particles formed on the surface of AgSt. UV spectra displayed a red shift of absorption for AgSt/AgC1 relative to pure AgSt or AgC1. DSC showed a new thermal phase transition of AgSt/AgC1 grains.     

Preparation and characterization of AgSt/AgCl composite grains

AgSt/AgCl composite grains were prepared by adding chloride ions to a mixed solvent in which silver stearate (AgSt) grains were dispersed under the condition of controlled pH value and characterized by SEM,XRD,UV and DSC.The results showed that AgSt/AgCl composite grains were composed of plate-like AgSt grains with small face-centered cubic AgCl particles formed on the surface of AgSt.UV spectra displayed a red shift of absorption for AgSt/AgCl relative to pure AgSt or AgCl.DSC showed a new thermal phase transition of AgSt/AgCl grains.     

PMMA／石墨导电复合材料的制备与表征

以可膨化石墨为原料,高温处理得到膨化石墨,再经过超声处理,得到纳米薄片石墨。将得到的纳米薄片石墨与甲基丙烯酸甲酯单体在超声作用下预聚,灌模,得到块状的聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯(PMMA)/石墨复合材料。用扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、透射电子显微镜(TEM)、选区电子衍射SAD、红外、热重等分析仪器表征了纳米石墨薄片及PMMA/石墨复合材料。测试了复合材料的力学、电学性能,发现在室温下该复合材料的渗滤阀值为1.3%(wt),且保证石墨含量在1.4%(wt)时,即可保证复合材料具有良好的电学和力学性能。     

Preparation and characterization of ZrCO/C composite aerogels

Zr-containing organic aerogels were synthesized by ligand substitution reaction of polyzirconoxone and 2, 4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, followed by polymerization with formaldehyde, and then supercritical drying using CO₂. After carbonization and carbothermal reduction under an argon atmosphere, ZrCO/C composite aerogels with controllable zirconium content (47.8–78.6 wt%) were obtained. The carbothermal reduction was substantially completed at 1,500 °C, and the obtained ZrCO/C composite aerogels exhibit low oxygen contents (9.4–6.7 wt%) and high surface areas (589–147 m²/g). Pore morphologies of the ZrCO/C composite aerogels were investigated in detail by nitrogen sorption measurements, scanning electron microscopy and its associated energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis measurements. The results show that the aerogels are composed of carbon framework and Zr-conglomerations, and the surface area of aerogel is severely affected by its zirconium content. The presence of reductive ZrC crystals can greatly enhance the oxidation resistance ability of amorphous carbon framework and prevent collapse.     

ZnO/Ag复合纳米粒子的制备与表征

以乙酸锌为前驱物,乙醇为溶剂,油酸钠为表面修饰剂,采用溶液化学法,在乙醇体系中制得纳米Zn O。然后缓慢加入一定量的硝酸银乙醇溶液,在乙醇的还原作用下将Ag+还原为Ag纳米粒子,制得Zn O/Ag复合纳米粒子。通过紫外-可见吸收光谱(UV-Vis)、荧光光谱(FL)、透射电子显微镜(TEM)和X射线衍射(XRD)等方法对所制备的氧化锌-银复合纳米粒子样品进行表征。结果表明,所合成的Zn O/Ag复合纳米粒子为球形,尺寸为20-30nm且粒径分布较窄。Ag纳米粒子附着于Zn O纳米粒子表面,并起到良好的表面修饰作用。对制备Zn O/Ag复合纳米粒子的机理进行了初步探究。     

Preparation and transport properties of PPy/PVDF composite membrane

In this work, composite cation‐exchange membrane was prepared by chemical polymerization of pyrrole on the surface of the poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane using ferric ions. The changes in the surface morphologies of non‐modified and polymer‐modified PVDF membrane were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The ion‐exchange capacity, water uptake, and fixed group concentration of the composite membrane were investigated. The polypyrrole/PVDF composite membrane was used for the removal of copper (II), chromium (III), iron (III), and aluminum (III) ions from aqueous solution with Donnan dialysis experiments. The flux values (J) and recovery factors (RF) of Cu(II), Cr(III), Fe(III), and Al(III) were obtained. Because of the smaller ion charge and hydration volume, the transport of the Cu(II) ion is higher than that of the other metals. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation and characterization of sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide) proton exchange composite membrane doped with phosphosilicate gels

A new class of proton exchange composite membranes made by incorporating phosphosilicate gels into SPPO matrix was prepared and characterized. The thermal stability was evaluated by TGA and DSC, and the amorphous structure information was provided from XRD. The experimental results showed that the composite membranes have good stability to oxidation by Fenton's reagent test, and the membrane dimension is hardly changed, even at high temperature. The hydration number values of the persulfonic acid group of composite membranes were lower than that of Nafion 112 at room temperature, but the water uptake of composite membranes at 80°C was higher than that of Nafion 112. With increasing relative humidity and doping amount, the conductivity of the composite membranes increased. Moreover, the conductivities of water-equilibrated composite membranes were higher than that of Nafion 112 (0.0871 S/cm) at room temperature, and the highest conductivity for the composite membrane was 0.216 S/cm. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

界面聚合法制备聚哌嗪酰胺复合纳滤膜

以聚醚砜超滤膜为基膜,哌嗪(PIP)为水相单体,均苯三甲酰氯(TMC)为有机相单体,采用界面聚合法制备了复合纳滤膜,扫描电镜、表层的红外分析结果表明在基膜表面聚合了一层聚酰胺膜,膜性能测定结果表明膜表面荷负电,对不同无机盐的截留率为Na2SO4MgSO4MgCl2NaCl。界面聚合条件对膜性能的影响表明,最佳聚合条件为:PIP浓度0.5%～2%,TMC浓度0.15wt%～0.75wt%,聚合时间≥1min,热处理温度60℃～80℃,时间15 min左右。     

Preparation and characterization of composite polyaniline materials for catalytic purposes

Composite film electrodes were prepared by open-circuit Pt deposition on polymeric PANI films that were electrosynthesized from aniline acid solutions with suspended carbon particles (CPs). Gold, nickel, and a Ni-based alloy, Nichrome, were used as substrates, and carbon particles, carbon nanotubes (CNT), and Vulcan XC-72R carbon black, suspended in the monomer acid solution, were incorporated into the film. Pt particles were dispersed on films grown on Ni-based substrates by deposition from a Pt(IV) acid solution at open circuit (OC). CNT trapped into the PANI films have a favorable influence on Pt dispersion. The novel composite electrodes showed significant catalytic activity for methanol oxidation.     

Preparation and characterization of RuO2/polyaniline composite electrodes

RuO₂–polyaniline (PANI) composites have been prepared by a novel method resulting in a composite material at the electrode surface. The method is based on the utilization of the chemical oxidation of aniline by the RuO₂ attached to the gold substrate in acid media. Electrochemical quartz crystal nanobalance combined with cyclic voltammetric and chronoamperometric measurements was used to study the oxidative deposition process as well as the exchange of ions and solvent molecules during cycling. The chemical reaction between RuO₂ and aniline results in a surface mass increase at the open circuit, and it also manifests itself in the substantial decrease of the open-circuit potential after addition of aniline into the supporting electrolyte. The potential range, the nature of the electrolyte, and the pH have been varied. The results of the piezoelectric nanogravimetric studies obtained for the redox transformation of RuO₂ and the composites are elucidated by the transport of ions and water molecules. It has been shown that the behavior of RuO₂ as well as of the composites strongly depends on the spontaneous and potential-dependent solvent sorption, the nature of the electrolyte, and the potential range. It has been found that the value of the specific capacitance was substantially increased by the polyaniline present without any significant deterioration of stability of the capacitor.     

Preparation and characterization of a carbon nanotube-lyotropic liquid crystal composite

We present a detailed study on the integration of individual single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) within a lyotropic hexagonal liquid crystal (LC) for the first time. Two systems are studied in this work; in the first, the same surfactant is used for both the dispersion of the SWNTs and the formation of the LC. In the second system, we use different surfactants for the dispersion of SWNTs and LC formation. Light microscopy imaging combined with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) indicates that the nanotubes (NTs) are well dispersed and aligned along the LC director. The macroscopic property, namely, the viscosity, is strongly enhanced by the presence of the NTs.