Physicochemical and electrochemical characterization of Nafion-type membranes with embedded silica nanoparticles: Effect of functionalization

Introduction of nanoparticles in membranes allows a significant enhancement their performance energy production, water treatment and other applications. However, the effect nanoparticles’ surface functionalization mechanism impact on membrane properties remain poorly studied. In this paper, we examine Nafion-based its modifications, each containing 3 wt% SiO2. The by propyl, 3-aminopropyl 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl is investigated. uptake, contact angle, conductivity, diffusion permeability to NaCl, current-voltage curves (CVC), chronopotentiograms (ChP), difference between pH desalination compartment output input solutions (characterizing splitting rate) are reported. It found that doping with leads increasing conductivity all cases except 3-aminopropyl, which imparts positive charge nanoparticles; decreases permselectivity increases cases. latter explained transformation mesoporous structure microporous one. CVC ChP mainly caused an additional (positive) space introduced into pore solution at electric double layer surrounding nanoparticles. greater density smaller size, stronger impact. Accordingly, highest current low fixed voltage chronopotentiometric transition time shown sample doped SiO2 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl. interplay electroconvection phenomena discussed.