Bipolar membranes and methods of making same

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Bipolar membranes are disclosed which exhibit high permselectivity, good mechanical strength ability to, operate at high current density low potential drop and, long-term stability. Essential to the production of bipolar membranes with these properties is the construction of the interface layer, which includes a matrix material containing quaternary and non-quaternary amine groups and having dispersed therein a cation exchange resin. A number of additional important characteristics are disclosed directed to the construction of the anion and cation layers of the bipolar membranes. A preferred method for forming bipolar membranes by casting layers on top of one another is also disclosed.