In the present work a novel heterogeneous cation exchange membrane (CEM) composed of poly vinyl chloride (PVC) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid based hydrogel (AMAH) was prepared. The membranes were fabricated with different fractions of AMAH to optimize the performance in desalination. The hydrogel was characterized by FT-IR to prove the successful synthesis. The membrane properties such as permselectivity, ionic permeability, flux, water content, electrical resistance, morphology, contact angle and dimensional stability were evaluated. Modified membranes showed acceptable dimensional stabilities, more hydrophilic surface, higher water content and porosity. SEM images revealed the formation of a more porous membrane structure. Membrane permselectivity and transport number showed a relatively constant then decreasing trend in Na+\ and Ba2+ solutions. The experimental results showed that the incorporation of AMAH into the PVC matrix obviously improved ionic permeability and flux of Na (similar to 9%) and Ba (similar to 23%). Membrane electrical resistance was declined about 36% by adding AMAH in the membrane structure. Membranes' performance in potassium and heavy metal ions removal showed a remarkable separation capacity of K+ (99.9%), Pb2+ (99.9%) and Ni2+ (96.9%). Membranes showed desirable potential for scaling removal. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.