Membrane based separation processes are newer processes that combine selectivity and economy at commercially acceptable permeation rates. A number of membranes processes such as Ultrafiltration, Reverse Osmosis, Pervaporation and Electrodialysis have been successfully commercialized. The issues such as selectivity, low permeation fluxes and material stability are being addressed by trialing novel materials in membranes. Intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs) are newer materials class that finds application potential in many processes due to their conductivity, electrochemical and morphological switchability, tuneability in hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity and ion-exchange capability. ICPs have been incorporated in membranes’ systems to enhance selectivity, ion-exchangeability, chemical and thermal stability and to reduce membrane fouling.

This talk overviews application of intrinsically conducting polymers in various membranes systems and the enhancements achieved using ICP composite membranes. This presentation also introduces research conducted at Department of Polymer and Process Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Lahore on ICPs composite membranes for electrochemical and pervaporation applications. Fabrication and characterization of ICP composite membranes have been discussed and enhancement in transport numbers and selectivity have been elaborated alongwith chemical, mechanical, thermal and structural characterizations of these advanced membranes’ systems.