Preparation and characterization of CoPc(COOH)8-SA/mCS bipolar membranes

Abstract

A sodium alginate (SA) cation layer was modified by cobalt octocarboxyphthalocyanine (CoPc(COOH)8) to improve its ion exchange capacity and to promote water splitting at the interlayer. The CoPc(COOH)8-SA and chitosan (CS) were then modified using Fe3+ and glutaraldehyde as linking reagents to prepare CoPc(COOH)8-SA/mCS bipolar membranes (BPMs). FT-IR spectra and SEM were used to characterize CoPc(COOH)8-SA/mCS BPMs. Experimental results showed that the ion exchange capacity and hydrogen ion transmigration rate of the CoPc(COOH)8-SA cation exchange membrane had increased. By comparison to the mSA/mCS BPM that was modified by Fe3+ or ferrocene, the AC impedance, IR drop and the swelling degree of the CoPc(COOH)8-SA/mCS BPMs all decreased. The IR drop of the CoPc(COOH)8-SA/mCS BPM was only 0.7 V at a higher current density of 105 mA·cm-2. © Editorial office of Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica.