Development and surface modification of anion exchange membrane for enhancement of antifouling potential in electrodialys process

Abstract

The membrane fouling in the course of electrodialysis (ED) is a serious problem during water treatment which results to its shorter lifetime and higher energy consumption. Here, the antifouling property of previously reported BPPO-based anion exchange membranes (AEM) has been improved by surface coating with polydopamine (PDA). The modified and unmodified membranes were characterized in term of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) water contact angle and water uptake. The antifouling potential was investigated in term of transition time, i.e. the time elapsed before the fouling took place.