Modification of Ion-exchange Membrane Surface by Plasma Process. Part 4. Enhancement of Monovalent Cation Perm-selectivity of Nafion by Plasma-Induced Surface Modification.

Novel monovalent cation perm-selective membranes were prepared by the surface modification of perfluorosulfonate cation exchange membranes, Nafion. Nafion was sputtered with oxygen plasma in order to produce radical sites on its surface. Ultra-thin cationic layers was produced on the Nafion surface by reactions between the radical sites and 4-vinylpyridine vapor. The resultant membranes showed high monovalent cation perm-selectivity (transference number of divalent cation = 2 × 10−2) and low membrane resistance of 2 Ω cm2.