Solvent and pH-stable poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) based UF membranes: preparation and characterizations

TitleSolvent and pH-stable poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) based UF membranes: preparation and characterizations
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsLohokare, HR, Chaudhari, HD, Kharul, UK
JournalJournal of Membrane Science
Volume563
Pagination743-751
Date PublishedOCT
ISSN0376-7388
KeywordsABPBI membrane, Pore size distribution, Solvent stable membranes, Ultrafiltration
Abstract

Poly(2,5-benzimidazole), commonly known as ABPBI, is an excellent thermo-chemically stable polymer that is widely evaluated as a proton exchange membrane material in a fuel cell. Its niche intrinsic characteristics could be highly useful in the membrane preparation for various separation applications, especially under harsher environments. To gain insights towards this feasibility, ABPBI based supported membranes were prepared by phase inversion method. Effects of the nonwoven porous support material (polypropylene/polyester), non-solvent (water/0.5 N NaOH) and polymer concentration (6 or 4 wt%) on the membrane properties (water flux, rejection and porosity) were investigated. The stability of these membranes towards common organic solvents, concentrated acid (25 N H2SO4), base (2.5 N NaOH) and an autoclave condition was analyzed. ABPBI membrane showed a pore collapse after drying. In order to avoid this, the glycerol treatment was not only found to be suitable but also repeatable, without significant deviations in the water flux.

DOI10.1016/j.memsci.2018.06.052
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)Foreign
Impact Factor (IF)6.035
Divison category: 
Polymer Science & Engineering

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