Preparation of cation-exchange membranes by electron beam induced grafting of AA and SSS onto FEP using pre-irradiation method I: Preparation of cation-exchange membranes

A study was made on the preparation of the cation-exchange membranes including sulfonate and carboxylic acid groups by electron beam induced grafting of acrylic acid (AA) and sodium styrene sulfonate (SSS) onto poly (tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene) using pre-irradiation method. The grafting yield was found to be strongly dependent on the synthesis conditions such as monomers total concentration, pH, radiation atmosphere and type of additive. An easy control over the grafting yield could be achieved by selecting appropriate reaction conditions. Infrared spectroscopy analysis of the grafted membrane confirmed the existence of sulfonate and carboxylic acid groups.