Chemicals
Based Technologies - Porous Polysulfone Diaphragm
as Separator in Electrochemical Processes
Introduction
Electrochemical processes are widely
used for production of various chemicals. When the process
is carried out in chemically hostile conditions, a special
separator is required to separate catholyte and anolyte
solutions. The Porous Polysulfone Diaphragms reinforced
with non-woven support fabric for use as separator in
electrochemical processes involving highly acidic solutions.
These diaphragms have very high porosity (60-70%) with
submicron pore sizes resulting in low electrical resistance
in electrolyte solutions and are stable up to 30% H2SO4
solution. The production cost of these diaphragms is
lower by an order of magnitude compared to presently
used Nafion membranes with comparable properties.
The polysulfone diaphragm can be used as a separator
in electrolytic cell for production of various chemicals
such as ammonium per sulphate (NH4)2S2O8 by electrochemical
process in acidic medium.
The process of manufacturing porous
polysulfone diaphragm consists of preparation of a casting
solution using optimum quantities of polysulfone polymer,
selected additives and appropriate solvent followed
by coating of this solution over a non-woven polyester
support fabric and then gelling it in water to produce
a polysylfone-nonwoven fabric support integrated film
(diaphragm). The film is annealed in boiling water to
remove traces of additives and solvent before use.
For further information please contact
:
Head,
Technology Transfer & Collaboration Division,
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay,
Mumbai - 400 085
Tel : 091-022-25505337/25593897
Fax : 091-022-25505151
E-mail : headttcd@barc.gov.in
