f Heidary - School of Chemistry, University College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
a Nemati Kharat - School of Chemistry, University College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
a.r Khodabakhshi - Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, Arak University, Arak, Iran

The homogeneous cation exchange membranes were prepared based on polymeric blends by solution casting technique. The membranes were prepared by blending of sulfonated poly (2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (SPPO) and sulfonated polyvinylchloride PVC (SPVC) using tetrahydrofuran (THF) as solvent. The effect of polymers blend ratio on the membranes properties were evaluated by ion exchange capacity (IEC), fixed ion concentration (F.I.C), areal resistance and water content tests. Also the microstructures of the membranes have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the areal resistance of the prepared membranes decreased due to an increase in the SPPO content in the casting solution. Measurements indicate that water content and ion exchange capacity are enhanced by increasing binder ratio (SPPO: SPVC) in the casting solution. Moreover the selectivity of the prepared membranes has been represented by F.I.C results.

Homogeneous, Evaporation, Phase inversion, SPVC, Electrochemical properties