Tuning the acid recovery performance of poly(4-vinylpyridine)-filled membranes by the introduction of hydrophobic groups

Two series of anion-exchange membranes have been produced by photo-initiated copolymerization of 4-vinylpyridine and divinylbenzene (DVB) within the pores of polypropylene microfiltration membranes followed by quaternization of the pyridine nitrogen atoms. The membranes were tested for use in acid recovery applications by performing diffusion dialysis of acid/salt solutions (HCl/NaCl/MgCl2) and determining dialysis coefficients and acid/salt …