Cation selective sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) nanocomposite ion exchange membranes

Over the past few decades, the importance of water management has driven the development of efficient and sustainable systems for wastewater treatment and simultaneous energy generation. Ion exchange membranes are promising technologies that are utilized in clean and sustainable separation processes. The focus of this research project has been to develop high performing cation selective membranes that can be produced with relatively low material and synthesis costs. Several SPEEK based nanocomposite membranes have been determined as promising candidates for use in industrial applications. Optimal preparation conditions were established for the production of suitable and reproducible SPEEK membranes. Inorganic nanoparticles were surface functionalized and integrated into this polymer base to develop nanocomposite membranes with improved thermal stability and ion transport properties. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the structural influences of the polymer matrix on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of fabricated SPEEK nanocomposite membranes.