Separating membrane of polyion complex

Abstract

To provide a separating membrane of a polyion complex having excellent separation factor, permeation rate and performance stability and being used in separating a mixture of water and an organic substance in accordance with the separating membrane technology. The separating membrane is a novel one comprising a polyion complex which comprises an ionic combination of an anionic polymer having carboxyl groups with a cationic polymer having divalent piperidinium bases. With respect to the separation characteristics of the separating membrane, a permeation rate is at least 100 g/m.sup.2 .multidot.hr and a separation factor is at least 1,000 in an evaluation according to pervaporation (by reducing the pressure outside the hollow fiber while feeding a 99 wt. % aqueous ethanol solution inside the same at 70.degree. C.). Further, a durability evaluation shows that the permeation rate and separation factor of the separating membrane are respectively 110 g/m.sup.2 .multidot.hr and 1,500 after the lapse of one month, attesting to desirable stability.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.