Visual inspection membrane surface

Surface pore diameters were measured by visual inspection of the line profiles of 50 pores of each membrane. All membranes have a wide pore size distribution. The deviation between 20 % and 40% from the average value is noticeable in most cases and is higher for membranes with larger pores (or higher MWCOs). The pore density was obtained by observing several AFM images from different sample areas of the same membrane and counting the number of pores in a unit area. Smface porosity is defined as the ratio of the pore area to the total area of the membrane. The porosity is low and varies between 0.6% and 7%. No relationship between MWCO and porosity was found. 

Electrochemical experiments to measure cell voltage and current efficiency are simple, direct, and usefiil for the investigation of membrane performance. Visual and microscopic observations are indispensable. Visual inspection is the principal method used for determining the soundness of the membrane surface. SEM is quite useful for the inspection of morphology of the surface or cross-sections. It can be used to identify deposits of impurities. XRD and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) are useful for the semiquantitative determination of impurity accumulation and distribution [126]. Table 4.8.10 [ 132] sununarizes the reconunended methods for detecting the physical and chemical damage to membranes. 

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