Electro-adsorption of polyethyleneimine on the anion exchange membrane: Application to the nitrate removal from loaded solutions Original Research Article

Anion exchange membrane has been modified by fixation of polyethyleneimine. The modification has been carried out aiming to achieve a separation of anions according to their hydration radii and their sizes. The performances of the modified membranes were compared with the unmodified one by applying Donnan dialysis of nitrate ion using Cl− in the strip compartment. The transfer of nitrate ions in the presence of chloride was enhanced by using immersion modified membrane. The presence of a thin layer of PEI on the strip side of the membrane improves Cl− transference, by creating a chemical potential difference which increases the transfer.