Novel Resins for Efficient Desalination

Abstract

This paper reports the synthesis and properties of new polymer resins containing strong acid and base groups for optimising applications in desalination. Several polyampholytic gels were synthesised with a ratio of 1:1 of strong acid (sulphonate) and strong base (quaternary ammonium) groups and a zwitterionic resin with a 1:1 strong acid and base ratio. The physico-chemical properties of these highly charged resins were studied in electrolyte solutions over a range of pH values, in particular: effects of chemical cross-linking, water and electrolyte swelling; bulk electrical conductivities and surface charging properties in different pH values. The results from absorption of NaCl showed that the resins have considerable potential for more effective desalination than other resin-based techniques. Show more