An easy method to modify the exchange membranes of electrodialysis with electrosynthetized polyaniline

This work presents a novel method for electrodeposition of polyaniline (PANI) on exchange membranes. In fact, the electrodeposition of PANI was carried out by cyclic voltammetry on a commercial anion-exchange membrane denominated “ACM”. The procedure for carrying out the electrosynthesis is based on the membrane capability to adhere on the carbon paste electrode, and its contact with an electronic conductor allows the polymerization on the membrane. After the electrochemical synthesis, the residues of carbon paste were easily eliminated with an adequate solvent. The electrochemistry of PANI films has the essential features expected for a surface-bound species. The modified membrane was tested in electrodialysis and the polarization curves demonstrate the influence of films on this process.