Analysis of surface structure for homogeneous cation-exchange membrane MF-4SK in hydrogen and lysine form

Abstract

Surface morphology of cation-exchange membrane MF-4SK in hydrogen and lysine forms is
studied by the method of atomic force microscopy. Jogs of various scale representing nodules of polymer
and pores at the membrane surface are visualized. Some increase in the membrane surface roughness was
observed after amino acid’s sorption, the share of small pores (d <50 nanometers) has increased and the
share of large pores has decreased. The possible reason of membrane surface structure change for amino
acid form is a humidity decrease. Images obtained in a phase-contrast mode make it possible to conclude
that there are larger structural units at the membrane surface in amino acid form, than in hydrogen form