Effect of embedding copper nanoparticles by plasma treatment on electrochemical properties of heterogeneous PVC/SBR cation exchange membranes

PVC/SBR blend heterogeneous cation exchange membranes were treated with copper nanoparticles in a vacuum reactor by argon plasma. The effect of deposited nano- copperlayer thickness on electrochemical properties of prepared membranes was evaluated. This surface modification improvesthe membrane potential, permselectivity and flux. These properties were initially enhanced by increasing the thickness of deposited nanoparticles layer up to 60 nm on the surface ofmembranes. This was followed by a decreasing trend with increasing the deposited layer thickness. Energy consumption was initially diminished with increasing deposited nanoparticles layer thickness up to 60 nm