Synergistic Electrochemical Characterization of PVC-Based Ni-Co-Mn Phosphate Hybrid Matrix Through Conducting (1:1)...

The development of composite ion-exchange membranes through the integration of polymers with inorganic matrices offers a promising route to improve selectivity and stability for separation and electrochemical applications. In this work, a nickel cobalt manganese phosphate (NCM-P) inorganic membrane reinforced with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is fabricated to exploit the synergistic combination of an inorganic ion conducting phase and a mechanically robust polymeric phase. A composite containing 75 wt.% NCM-P and 25 wt.% PVC is prepared and systematically characterized to evaluate its structure-property relationships. The crystalline structure and phase purity are confirmed by x-ray diffraction, whereas the chemical bonding and functional groups are examined by FTIR spectroscopy. The surface morphology and elemental composition are investigated using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, revealing a homogeneous dispersion of the inorganic phase within the PVC matrix. The resulting membranes exhibit enhanced chemical, thermal, and mechanical stability compared with the pristine inorganic material, along with improved chemo-physical properties and electroactive behavior. Ion-transport performance is assessed by electrochemical measurements for Na⁺, K⁺, and Li⁺, demonstrating regulated ion passage and effective ion-exchange characteristics. These findings highlight a versatile strategy for tailoring multifunctional NCM-P/PVC composite membranes for potential use in ion-exchange processes, wastewater treatment, energy-storage systems, biomedical devices, and environmental remediation.