Determining Characteristics of the Porous Structure of Electrochemically Synthesized Ultrafiltration Membranes from Their Electroresistance

Basic characteristics of the porous structure (overall porosity, pore radii) of ultrafiltration membranes formed by electropolymerization of monomers in aqueous environment are studied. The overall porosity of such membranes is higher than that of membranes prepared by traditional techniques and ensures their high productivity. Pore radii of membranes estimated by different methods are compared. The most accurate method is based on the determination of the electroresistance of ultrafiltration membranes and the velocity of the liquid passing through the membranes. This method permits the examination of membranes in real conditions of their operation (swollen state, pressure of solution). Determined are coefficients of consistency of results calculated from the electroresistance of films with the electron and tunneling microscopy data and by testing substances with the known particle radii and calculations from the overall porosity. The pore radii are shown to depend on the electropolymerization mode and the monomer composition.