Asymmetric Nafion/(Zirconium Oxide) Hybrid Membranes via In Situ Sol-Gel Chemistry
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-10-1996
Department
Polymers and High Performance Materials
Abstract
Nafion-in situ sol-gel reactions were affected for Zr(OBu)4 that permeated low water content membranes unidirectionally. IR peaks reflecting ZrO2 and incomplete hydrolysis of ZrOBu groups near both surfaces were detected. Vibrations of Zr(OEt)4 detected near both sides arise from alkoxy exchange in the presence of the solvent EtOH. Unreacted alkoxy group bands are more distinct near the nonpermeated surface. An IR band for the ZnOBu group diminishes, whereas that for ZnOEt increases with increasing time near the permeated surface due to progressive alkoxy exchange. The ZrO2 band becomes more intense with time near the permeated surface. X-ray spectroscopy/scanning electron microscopy studies of Zr concentration across the membrane thickness verified compositional asymmetry. CO2 gas permeability versus upstream pressure plots are monotonically increasing, suggesting diffusion accompanied by complex plasticization. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Publication Title
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
Volume
62
Issue
2
First Page
417
Last Page
426
Recommended Citation
Apichatachutapan, W.,
Moore, R. B.,
Mauritz, K. A.
(1996). Asymmetric Nafion/(Zirconium Oxide) Hybrid Membranes via In Situ Sol-Gel Chemistry. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 62(2), 417-426.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/5690