In the current research, mixed matrix polyvinylchloride based heterogeneous cation exchange membranes were prepared by solution casting technique. Zinc oxide nanoparticle was also utilized as additive in membrane fabrication. The effect of ZnO nanoparticles concentration in casting solution on physico-chemical and antibacterial characteristics of membranes was studied. SEM images showed compressed structure for the modified membranes. Images also exhibited relatively uniform surfaces for the membranes. 3D SEM images showed smooth surface for membranes at high ZnO loading ratio content. X-ray diffraction results revealed that membrane crystalinity was improved by increase of nanoparticles’ concentration. The membrane selectivity and transport number were increased initially by increase of additive content up to 8 %wt in casting solution and then showed decreasing trend by more ZnO concentration to 16 %wt. The membrane ionic flux also enhanced initially by increase of zinc oxide nanoparticles content up to 4 %wt and then began to decrease. The modified membrane containing 4 %wt zinc oxide nanoparticles showed superior characteristics compared to other modified membranes and pristine/unmodified ones. The modified membranes also showed good ability in E.coli removal.
