Synthesis of soluble polyaniline, poly(N-ethylaniline), poly(N-methylaniline), characterization and membrane applications

In this study, conducting soluble polymer were synthesized by using aniline, N-ethylaniline and N-methylaniline monomers. Ponceau 4R, tartrazine, sunset yellow and 1,3(6 or 7)-naphthalenetrisulfonic acid were used as dopants. Because of the sulfonic acid groups in their structures, the solubility of polyaniline compounds were increased. The characterization of synthesized conducting and soluble polymers were determined by spectroscopic (UV-vis, IR), chromatografic (GPC) and elemental analysis methods. As a result of the characterization, it was found that the synthesized polymers are in polyaniline basic structure. PVDF membranes were modified with polyaniline compounds and used for removal of Cu2+ ions from aqua solution medium. According to the results, the ion exchange capacity of polymer modified membranes were calculated.