Article
Engineering, Environmental
Boxian Chen, Suping Yu, Xuan Zhao
Summary: Reverse osmosis (RO) is an effective treatment method for radioactive wastewater, but fouling on RO membrane surface needs to be addressed for wider application. Research on surfactant fouling showed that it reduced RO membrane flux by 35%-75%. By calculating interfacial free energies, it was found that changes in membrane hydrophilicity and surface charge were key factors in improving surfactant resistance. Fabricating RO membranes with hydrophilic and neutrally charged surface can enhance resistance to various surfactants. Surfactant fouling had significant impact on membrane permeability, with changes in radioactive nuclide rejections related to surface charge and boron rejection tied to surface steric-hindrance. Careful consideration of membrane hydrophilicity and surface charge is necessary for treating radioactive wastewater with surfactants.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Gen-Qiang Chen, Yin-Hu Wu, Pin-Sheng Fang, Yuan Bai, Zhuo Chen, Yu-Qing Xu, Yun-Hong Wang, Xing Tong, Li-Wei Luo, Hao-Bin Wang, Zi-Wei Zhang, Nozomu Ikuno, Hong-Ying Hu
Summary: The study found that ferric chloride and granular activated carbon performed well in alleviating RO membrane fouling caused by SMP, effectively reducing the fouling. In addition, decreasing the dissolved organic carbon content and reducing specific fluorescence intensity, molecular weight, and polysaccharide content could help mitigate RO membrane fouling.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qimao Gan, Lu Elfa Peng, Zhe Yang, Peng-Fei Sun, Li Wang, Hao Guo, Chuyang Y. Tang
Summary: Surfactant-assisted interfacial polymerization (IP) has shown the potential to improve the performance of thin film composite polyamide membranes. In this study, we found that the surfactant Tween 80 can enhance membrane performance, even though it decreases amine diffusion. The enhanced performance is attributed to the stabilization of nanobubbles by the surfactant, which leads to the formation of enlarged nanovoids and reduced defects in the polyamide layer. Furthermore, the surfactant-assisted membranes also exhibit better antifouling performance.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mengying Jiang, Li-Ye Chen, Qian Zou, Siwei Xiong, Peigen Fu, Jing-Gang Gai
Summary: This study fabricates a hydrophilic anti-fouling layer on the surface of RO membranes to improve water flux and desalination performance, while reducing the impact of fouling. The modified membrane exhibits lower flux loss rate and higher flux recovery rate in long-term, multi-cycle fouling experiments, showcasing excellent separation performance even under severe environments.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yu-Qing Xu, Yin-Hu Wu, Xin Tong, Ke-Ying Song, Gen-Qiang Chen, Yuan Bai, Li-Wei Luo, Hao-Bin Wang, Zi-Wei Zhang, Nozomu Ikuno, Hong-Ying Hu
Summary: This study summarized the pressure-time curves of reverse osmosis membranes into 3 types and developed an Integrated Spherical Diffusion Cell (SDC) model that fitted the data better than other models. The model showed superior fitting performance to the operational data of a full-scale RO system and could predict subsequent pressure growth within a 20% increase compared to the original pressure. The findings are applicable to industrial practice and may enable further research in the pressure growth pattern of constant flux RO filtration.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Aymen Halleb, Mitsutoshi Nakajima, Fumio Yokoyama, Marcos Antonio Neves
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the performance of a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane in removing surfactants from aqueous solutions. Both cellulose acetate (CA) and polyamide (PA) membranes were tested with various types and concentrations of surfactants. The results showed that the permeate flux of the PA membrane was dependent on the surfactant type and concentration, with cationic surfactants causing the lowest flux. Surfactant adsorption on the membrane surface affected flux, but did not affect the permeate flux of the CA membrane. Both membranes exhibited satisfactory total organic carbon (TOC) rejection. This study highlights the importance of assessing interactions between membrane material and surfactant molecules to improve RO membrane performance.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Asif Matin, Tahar Laoui, Wail Falath, Mohammed Farooque
Summary: RO technology is increasingly used for seawater desalination and wastewater reclamation, but fouling of membranes remains a challenge. Various eco-friendly techniques for membrane fouling control are being investigated, including bioflocculation and osmotic backwashing. Fundamental studies are needed to optimize these processes for potential integration into RO plants.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jingwei Wang, Lee Nuang Sim, Jia Shin Ho, Keiko Nakano, Yusuke Kinoshita, Kenichiro Sekiguchi, Tzyy Haur Chong
Summary: Seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) is the most energy-efficient process for desalination, but membrane fouling remains a challenge. In this study, a ceramic adsorption filter (CAF) was used to enhance the pretreatment performance of SWRO, and its effectiveness was evaluated using real seawater. The results showed that the CAF could mitigate 10-30% of SWRO fouling, and autopsy of the fouled membranes revealed a reduction in both inorganic and biofouling. This work highlights the potential of using adsorption technology to improve the lifespan of SWRO membranes.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sanghun Park, Moon Son, Jaegyu Shim, Kwanho Jeong, Kyung Hwa Cho
Summary: This study compared chemical cleaning with OBW-assisted chemical cleaning for removing organic fouling from reverse osmosis membranes. The use of OBW increased the water permeability coefficient of the fouled membrane, improving water flux by up to 10.8%. In-situ monitoring revealed that pore generation below the fouling layer helped to dissociate the fouling layer and facilitated rapid encounter between the cleaning agent and foulants. Characterization of the fouled membrane showed that applying OBW before chemical cleaning enhanced membrane cleaning efficiency.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chao Chen, Yu Yang, Nigel J. D. Graham, Zhenyu Li, Xingtao Yang, Zhining Wang, Nadia Farhat, Johannes S. Vrouwenvelder, Li -an Hou
Summary: The fouling of seawater reverse osmosis membranes is a persistent challenge in desalination. This study monitored the operational performance of a desalination plant for 7 years and the fouling development in different areas of membrane modules. The findings showed that operational performance declined over time and fouling mainly occurred at the feed side of the modules, with the highest microbial diversity. Keystone species like Chloroflexi and Planctomycetes played an important role in maintaining community structure and biofilm maturation. Polysaccharides, soluble microbial products, marine humic acid-like substances, and inorganic substances contributed to fouling. Overall, biofouling had a significant impact on membrane fouling after 7 years of operation.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xiaolei Zhang, Jialin Huang, Xiaoying Cheng, Huihui Chen, Qiang Liu, Ping Yao, Hao H. Ngo, Long D. Nghiem
Summary: In this study, a hybrid electrochemical-microfiltration-granular activated carbon adsorption (e-MF-GAC) pretreatment process was developed and demonstrated for controlling reverse osmosis (RO) fouling. Compared to ultrafiltration (UF), e-MF-GAC pretreatment resulted in 30% higher permeate flux. Results in this study validate the hypothesis of complementarity among individual treatment processes of e-MF-GAC for removing foulants, leading to superior performance over conventional UF pretreatment.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Semion Brover, Yaal Lester, Asher Brenner, Eyal Sahar-Hadar
Summary: Ultrafiltration (UF) is used as pretreatment for reverse osmosis (RO) desalination, with key operational parameters needing to be optimized for sustainable and cost-effective operation. Adjusting filtration flux, length of filtration cycle, coagulant dosing, and membrane cleaning procedure can improve UF performance, while also considering reversible and irreversible fouling.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Bahar Ozbey Unal
Summary: In recent years, wastewater reuse has become increasingly important in industrial zones. Reverse osmosis (RO) membranes are commonly used for this purpose, but membrane fouling is a significant issue, affecting membrane performance and lifespan. This study conducted an autopsy analysis of a fouled RO membrane from an industrial wastewater reuse plant in Turkey, revealing the presence of inorganic scaling and molybdenum contamination. An effective chemical cleaning protocol was suggested. This study provides insights into fouling control strategies for industrial wastewater reuse.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jian Shen, Yi Yuan, Feng Duan, Yuping Li
Summary: The combined resin adsorption and ozonation pre-treatment was found to be effective in reducing membrane fouling risks during coking wastewater desalination. Compared to resin adsorption or ozonation alone, the combined process showed better performance in removing organic pollutants. The study also established a correlation between the major organic matter in the wastewater and normalized RO membrane flux, providing a useful tool for fouling evaluation.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Everton Gripa, Juacyara C. Campos, Fabiana V. da Fonseca
Summary: Combining ozonation and microfiltration as pretreatments for reverse osmosis in treating landfill leachate can significantly reduce fouling potential and meet discharge standards. Conducting ozonation before microfiltration results in lower fouling index values and higher permeate flux compared to the reverse order. The established treatment route proves to be effective for treating complex wastewater like landfill leachate.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiawei Hou, Shixuan Guo, Nigel Graham, Wenzheng Yu, Kening Sun, Ting Liu
Summary: A novel 2D composite membrane based on r-HGO and MXene materials was developed, demonstrating exceptional performance for water treatment in terms of permeability, pollutant rejection, and physical stability. The optimization of preparation conditions and material proportions can result in high water flux and efficient removal of pollutants.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Retraction
Engineering, Chemical
Chang Liu, Jinghong Liu, Liang Zhu, Shanfu Tang, Huixin Xiong
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Rui Gao, Caihong Liu, Andreia F. Faria, Qiang He, Chun Yang, Jun Ma
Summary: A novel copolymer architecture has been developed to address biofouling concerns in thin-film composite (TFC) membranes by integrating anti-fouling, bactericidal, and fouling-release functions. The multifunctional membrane demonstrates promising anti-adhesive properties, self-cleaning ability, and high flux recovery rate.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alexander T. Bridge, Noah P. Wamble, Matthew S. Santoso, Joan F. Brennecke, Benny D. Freeman
Summary: This study demonstrates the reproducible preparation of high-flux defect-free asymmetric gas separation membranes using Cyrene(TM) as a majority dope formulation component. By adjusting the volume ratios of Cyrene(TM) and THF, as well as the concentrations of Matrimid(R) and the dry step time, optimal membrane performance is achieved.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alessandra Imbrogno, Han Ya Lin, Babak Minofar, Andrea Iris Schaefer
Summary: In this study, a composite nanofiber membrane containing cross-linked beta-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin was prepared and evaluated for the removal of steroid hormones. The results showed that the membrane had high adsorption capacity and the ability to form a specific inclusion complex interaction with the hormones, indicating its potential application in hormone removal.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Bora Shin, Jaewon Shin, Yanuar Chandra Wirasembada, Ki Young Park, Jinwoo Cho
Summary: This study develops a mathematical model to estimate the initial flux of volatile fatty acids in the direct contact membrane distillation process. It identifies the parameters affecting the flux and their relationship with pH.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi-Jui Yeh, Jr Rong Liou, Wei Lin, Kuo-Lun Tung, Wei-Hung Chiang
Summary: This study demonstrates an effective plasma engineering method to create nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dot (NGQD)-inorganic nanocomposites for tunable molecular separation. The composite materials show high separation efficiency and controllable nanopore structures, making them potentially valuable for various applications.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Horacio Lopez-Marques, Kristofer L. Gleason, Manuel Aguilar-Vega, Rita Sulub-Sulub, J. Ehren Eichler, Hyeonji Oh, C. Buddie Mullins, Benny D. Freeman, Manish Kumar
Summary: In this study, water transport properties in Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) membranes were investigated. It was found that membranes synthesized at different pyrolysis temperatures exhibited varying water permeabilities. Compared to other polymeric materials, CMS membranes showed high water permeability, indicating potential for dehydration applications.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Dmitry A. Alentiev, Roman Yu. Nikiforov, Marina A. Rudakova, Danil P. Zarezin, Maxim A. Topchiy, Andrey F. Asachenko, Nikolay A. Belov, Maxim Bermeshev
Summary: A series of new norbornene-type monomers containing linear and branched substituents were synthesized, and robust thin membranes were prepared by vinyl-addition polymerization. Gas separation performance for the synthesized polymers was evaluated, and the structure of substituent side chains was found to significantly affect gas permeability and CO2 facilitated transport.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lei Yan, Qi Zhang, Ze Zhang, Gui-Jie Li, Yi Jin, Xin-Lin Zhang, Yan-Yun Sun
Summary: In this study, a continuous, stable and fast ion transport channel was established through in-situ guided cross-linking of zinc alginate hydrogels on a porous membrane, overcoming the negative pore effect and effectively inhibiting the dendrite growth of zinc anodes and interfacial side reactions.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yuqing Zhang, Ailing Zhang, Huiyang He, Yuting Fan, Yongjiang Li, Song Wang, Sanxi Li
Summary: The Langmuir-Blodgett self-assembly process is used to create an ordered SPEEK membrane, which enhances the proton conductivity by three times compared to conventional solution casting method.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hasan Ismaeel, David Gibson, Eleonora Ricci, Maria Grazia De Angelis
Summary: In this study, a machine learning-based group contribution method (ML-GC) was developed to predict pure polymer parameters and successfully applied to predict gas solubility and gas solubility isotherms in glassy polymeric membranes. The model showed satisfactory performance on a small dataset, but has the potential to provide more accurate predictions for a wider range of polymers as more data becomes available.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi Ji, Yu Sun, Huilin Li, Qiang Fu, Yan Zhang
Summary: Previous studies have shown that vibration- or rotation-based techniques can effectively mitigate fouling during membrane filtration. However, it is difficult to incorporate these techniques with spiral wound modules (SWMs) widely used in water and wastewater treatment. This study developed a prototype membrane system to accommodate angular vibrations with a modified SWM, and experimental results showed that applying angular vibrations can effectively control algal fouling in an SWM with lower energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lakshmeesha Upadhayaya, Abaynesh Yihdego Gebreyohannes, Muhammad Wakil Shahzad, Usman T. Syed, Sandra L. Aristizabal, Radoslaw Gorecki, Suzana P. Nunes
Summary: Increasing temperatures worldwide pose a significant health risk, exacerbated by high humidity. Conventional air conditioners contribute heavily to carbon dioxide emissions, with dehumidification being a major factor. Membrane-based dehumidification system offers energy efficiency and non-toxic water vapor removal. This study demonstrates a membrane dehumidification system with polymeric hollow fibers coated with a green polyphenol coating, showing remarkable water vapor transport rate and selectivity. Long-term testing reveals minimal decline in vapor transport and a 4-5 times higher coefficient of performance (COP) compared to conventional dehumidifiers, making it a highly competitive, energy-saving device with reduced emissions and a smaller footprint.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhengzhong Zhou, Xue Zhu, Yi Yuan, Shaoqiang Wang, Xiaoshan Meng, Taoli Huhe, Qian Wang
Summary: In this study, lignin, a biomass material, was chemically modified and utilized in the interfacial polymerization process to improve the performance of nanofiltration membranes. The modified membranes showed enhanced hydrophilicity and anti-fouling properties, and the optimization of membrane pore size increased permeability. The study also demonstrated the potential application of the membranes in biogas slurry valorization.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)