Preparation of bipolar membranes (I)

The bipolar membranes were prepared by charged material of polysulfone as a base. The bipolar membranes were composed of a solvent-resistant anion exchange layer with a crosslinking matrix prepared by the reaction of chloromethylated polysulfone in DMF with diamine, an interfacial layer made from chloromethylated polysulfone solution in DMF containing cation exchange resin and amine, and a cation exchange layer made from sulfonated polysulfone dispersing cation resin powder. The prepared bipolar membrane can exhibit lower voltage drop over 100 mA/cm(2). The critical requirement for producing bipolar membranes of low potential drop is the creation of a thin interfacial region with a low electrical resistance and a suitable chemical structure, which act to catalyze water splitting. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 1658-1663, 2001.