Article
Engineering, Chemical
Roberto Castro-Munoz, Asma Msahel, Francesco Galiano, Marcin Serocki, Jacek Ryl, Sofiane Ben Hamouda, Amor Hafiane, Grzegorz Boczkaj, Alberto Figoli
Summary: This research successfully synthesized a novel L-proline:sulfolane deep eutectic solvent and used it in combination with chitosan as a polymer phase to prepare sustainable bio-based membranes. Microscopic analysis showed that the membranes had a completely homogeneous structure, and exhibited higher separation efficiency in separating methanol-methyl tert-butyl ether mixtures compared to pristine chitosan membranes.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Asma Msahel, Francesco Galiano, Martina Pilloni, Francesca Russo, Amor Hafiane, Roberto Castro-Munoz, Vijay Bhooshan Kumar, Aharon Gedanken, Guido Ennas, Ze'ev Porat, Alessandra Scano, Sofiane Ben Hamouda, Alberto Figoli
Summary: In this study, a microporous carboxylate metal-organic framework MIL-100 Fe was prepared and used to enhance the selectivity of mixed matrix membranes for methanol separation. The addition of 0.5 wt% Fe-MOF-MW in PLA membranes showed the highest selectivity at 25 degrees Celsius and a vacuum pressure of 0.09 mbar.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
T. Angelin Swetha, Abhispa Bora, K. Mohanrasu, P. Balaji, Rathinam Raja, Kumar Ponnuchamy, Govarthanan Muthusamy, A. Arun
Summary: Plastics are crucial for food packaging, as they preserve food, ensure shelf life, and guarantee food safety. However, their extensive use has led to long-term environmental pollution. To address this, researchers and manufacturers are developing eco-friendly biodegradable polymers like polylactic acid (PLA). PLA, a compostable thermoplastic biopolymer, is renewable and can be used to produce various materials. This chapter focuses on food packaging techniques, waste in the food industry, classification of biopolymers, PLA synthesis, the importance of PLA properties in food packaging, and technologies for processing PLA in food packaging.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhiru Xu, Ligang Xu, Yali Wang, Qunyan Li, Suping Cui, Zuoren Nie, Qi Wei
Summary: This study proposed a novel strategy to enhance the MTBE/water separation performance of porous alpha-Al2O3 membranes. The membranes were modified with ZnO nanorod arrays (ZNA) through a deposition and decomposition method followed by hydrothermal reaction, and then hydrophobized with fluoroalkylsilane (FAS). The modified membranes showed a significantly increased MTBE/water separation factor and concentrated MTBE in the permeate mixture to a high concentration.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lobna Nassar, Hanaa M. Hegab, Hiyam Khalil, Vijay S. Wadi, Vincenzo Naddeo, Fawzi Banat, Shadi W. Hasan
Summary: Membranes made from polylactic acid (PLA) can be used for efficient treatment of wastewater with high nutrient content, showing finger-like asymmetric morphology and various dense pore sizes.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Pacome Tomietto, Francesca Russo, Francesco Galiano, Patrick Loulergue, Simona Salerno, Lydie Paugam, Jean-Luc Audic, Loredana De Bartolo, Alberto Figoli
Summary: This study aims to develop a more sustainable solution for membrane fabrication by investigating a new combination of bio-based materials, including a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) as a polymer and Cyrene(TM) as a solvent for the phase inversion process. Various parameters of the phase inversion process were studied to identify different membrane microstructure possibilities and their final performances, resulting in membranes with different architectures successfully applied in pervaporation for the separation of an organic/organic azeotropic mixture.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Taha El Assimi, Roko Blazic, Elvira Vidovic, Mustapha Raihane, Abdellatif El Meziane, Mohamed Hassen Baouab, Mehdi Khouloud, Redouane Beniazza, Hans Kricheldorf, Mohammed Lahcini
Summary: The study introduced a biodegradable coating based on polylactic acid (PLA) and cellulose acetate (CA) to encapsulate diammonium phosphate (DAP) granules for the first time. It demonstrated that the thickness of the coating can be controlled by adjusting the duration of the coating process to meet the release rate required by the European standard.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yu-Fei Lin, Zi-Ming Zhan, Zhen-Liang Xu, Zhe-Ru Shi, Xin Zhang, Sun-Jie Xu, Ka-Ke Zhu
Summary: The SUZ-4 zeolite membrane prepared using the dynamic hydrothermal method showed excellent performance in separating methanol and methyl methacrylate mixtures with long-term stability.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Changchang Ma, Haiou Liu, Jieshan Qiu, Xiongfu Zhang
Summary: Fabricating a high-quality bimetallic Zn/Co-ZIF tubular membrane on a porous ceramic tube allows for efficient separation of methanol/methyltert-butylether mixture, demonstrating excellent separation performance and long-term stability.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuecheng Wang, Yujie Ban, Ziyi Hu, Yang Zhao, Mingyuan Zheng, Weishen Yang, Tao Zhang
Summary: A new metal-organic framework membrane with hetero-lattice intergrowth has been developed, showing high efficiency in water/polyol separation and demonstrating a close-knit structure and excellent stability.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xiuxiu Ren, Huan Yu, Meng Guo, Rong Xu, Jing Zhong
Summary: In this study, a long alkyl chain-containing organosilica layer was utilized to modify silicalite-1 membranes, resulting in bi-layered BTESO/silicalite-1 composite membranes. After BTESO modification, the surface of the membranes became smoother, denser, and more hydrophobic. The modified membranes exhibited good separation performance in pervaporation, with increased ethanol flux and reduced water flux without sacrificing ethanol flux.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wai Fen Yong, Hao Zhang
Summary: Recent interest in developing high performance polymeric membranes has improved molecular transport performance in gas separation and pervaporation. Polymer blends have gained interdisciplinary interest as a promising modification strategy due to their versatility, simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and time-effective routes in developing membranes with desirable separation performance. Compatibility at the molecular level remains a main challenge for polymer blends, affecting membrane separation performance.
PROGRESS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Kseniya Papchenko, Eleonora Ricci, Maria Grazia De Angelis
Summary: In this work, the sorption and transport of CO2 and CH4 in copolymers of 3-hydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) were assessed. Experimental tests were conducted on a material containing 8% 3-hydroxyvalerate, while molecular modelling was used to screen the performance of the copolymers across different compositions. The simulations showed promising behavior for the copolymer with 100% 3-hydroxyvalerate.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Farzad Seidi, Ahmad Arabi Shamsabadi, Abtin Ebadi Amooghin, Mohammad Reza Saeb, Huining Xiao, Yongcan Jin, Mashallah Rezakazemi
Summary: This review examines the use of natural polysaccharides and their derivatives in the fabrication of CO2 separation membranes, highlighting their functionalization effects on separation performance.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hiyam Khalil, Hanaa M. Hegab, Lobna Nassar, Vijay S. Wadi, Vincenzo Naddeo, Ahmed F. Yousef, Fawzi Banat, Shadi W. Hasan
Summary: This study fabricated ecofriendly asymmetric ultrafiltration (UF) membranes from polylactic acid (PLA) with different polymer concentrations using the phase inversion method. The results showed that increasing the PLA concentration improved BSA removal and antifouling properties of the membranes.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maryam Y. Ghadhban, Khalid T. Rashid, Adnan Alsalim, Qusay F. Alsalhy
Summary: This review summarizes the preparation, modification, and application of eco-friendly polymers such as Poly lactic acid (PLA), Chitosan (CS), and Cellulose acetate (CA) in oily wastewater treatment. The polymers are highlighted for their low environmental pollution, good chemical resistivity, high hydrophobicity, and ability to effectively separate water-oil emulsions. Various membrane production methods and recent advances in improving membrane properties through the addition of nanocomposites are discussed. The critical hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties in oil separation mechanism are also emphasized. Prediction and challenges in oil/water separation and recovery are examined with a focus on modern production methods and oil separation proficiency.
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vu T. Luong, Edgardo E. Canas Kurz, Ulrich Hellriegel, Duc N. Dinh, Hang T. Tran, Alberto Figoli, Bartolo Gabriele, Tran L. Luu, Jan Hoinkis
Summary: This study developed and tested a modular desalination system combining membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) with low-pressure reverse osmosis (LPRO). The system was evaluated and compared with conventional seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) at different salinities. The pilot tests conducted in the Can Gio region of South Vietnam showed that the system achieved drinking water quality with low energy consumption. The study also investigated fouling mitigation methods for the ultrafiltration pre-treatment.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Wenzhong Ma, Zhuang Zhou, Norafiqah Ismail, Elena Tocci, Alberto Figoli, Mohamed Khayet, Takeshi Matsuura, Zhaoliang Cui, Naser Tavajohi
Summary: Thermally-induced phase separation (TIPS) is a popular method for membrane preparation. This review critically evaluates the literature on TIPS and provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art. It discusses the basic principles of TIPS, materials used, parameters affecting the outcome, mass transfer, modeling techniques, current and potential applications, and future developments and prospects for the TIPS process.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Amjad Albiladi, Lassaad Gzara, Hussam Organji, Nazeeha S. Alkayal, Alberto Figoli
Summary: The major challenge in membrane distillation (MD) is membrane wetting caused by pollutants. This study focused on fabricating hydrophobic membranes for brine treatment using electrospun PVDF-HFP nanofiber membranes. The effects of solvent composition and polymer concentration on the electrospinning process were investigated, and post-treatment was carried out to optimize membrane performance.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rania E. Morsi, Franco Corticelli, Vittorio Morandi, Denis Gentili, Massimiliano Cavallini, Alberto Figoli, Francesca Russo, Francesco Galiano, Annalisa Aluigi, Barbara Ventura
Summary: In membrane-based water purification technology, the preparation conditions greatly affect the pore size distribution and dye removal efficiency of cellulose acetate membranes. Different fabrication methods and conditions, such as film casting speed, casted solution thickness, coagulation bath usage, and surfactant addition, significantly influence the membranes' pore size, porosity, and water permeability. The study also found that Azure A had better chemical affinity for cellulose acetate and was removed more efficiently, and both Azure A and Methyl Orange dye uptake followed a pseudo-second order model indicating chemisorption through valency forces.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giacomo Trapasso, Francesca Russo, Francesco Galiano, Con Rob McElroy, James Sherwood, Alberto Figoli, Fabio Arico
Summary: Membrane processes are widely used in various industrial applications such as separation of mixtures, hydrogen isolation, CO2 removal, and wastewater treatment. In this study, organic carbonates were used as green media for membrane preparation. Theoretical thermodynamic studies were conducted to predict the solubilities of different polymers commonly used for membrane preparation in dialkyl carbonates (DACs). Results showed that membranes prepared with custom-made DACs exhibited better structural resistances and smaller pore sizes compared to those using commercially available cyclic organic carbonates. These findings highlight the versatility of DACs as green solvents.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dhiyaa A. Hussein Al-Timimi, Qusay F. Alsalhy, Adnan A. AbdulRazak, Mohammed Ahmed Shehab, Zoltan Nemeth, Klara Hernadi
Summary: This study aims to optimize operating parameters of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) fabricated from polyethersulfone (PES) and silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) or modified silica NPs with polyethylenimine (PEI) (SiO2-g-PEI NPs) for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment. The results showed that SiO2 MMMs had a permeate flux of 38.27 LMH and 81.26% MBV rejection, while SiO2-g-PEI MMMs had a permeate flux of 104.11 LMH and 99.00% MBV rejection. The optimal parameters for SiO2 MMMs were SiO2 wt % of 0.8447%, MBV concentration of 98.18 ppm, and pH of 4, while the optimal parameters for SiO2-g-PEI MMMs were SiO2-g-PEI wt% of 0.93%, MBV concentration of 22.7 ppm, and pH of 4.79.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bakr M. Ibraheem, Saif Al Aani, Alanood A. Alsarayreh, Qusay F. Alsalhy, Issam K. Salih
Summary: Forward osmosis (FO) is a low-energy treatment process that separates water from dissolved solutes/foulants through a membrane without hydraulic pressure. Novel membranes and draw solutions are crucial for improving FO performance. Other factors such as draw solution type and operating conditions also affect FO performance. Challenges such as concentration polarization, membrane fouling, and reverse solute diffusion can be mitigated. Comparisons with reverse osmosis highlight the energy consumption of FO. This review provides detailed insights into FO technology, addressing its challenges and potential solutions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohammed Azeez Naji, Hamed Salimi-Kenari, Qusay F. Alsalhy, Raed A. Al-Juboori, Ngoc Huynh, Khalid T. Rashid, Issam K. Salih
Summary: In this study, MXene was used as a hydrophilic 2D nanosheet to modify the characteristics of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) flat sheet membranes. The effect of MXene content on the surface characteristics of the membranes was investigated using various characterization tools. It was found that an optimal MXene content of 0.6 wt. % enhanced the roughness parameters and hydrophilicity of the membranes, leading to a triple increase in pure water flux without compromising retention of heavy metal ions. The nanocomposite membranes also exhibited promising antifouling properties for treating heavy metals-containing wastewater.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Salam H. Rasheed, Salah S. Ibrahim, Qusay F. Alsalhy, Hasan Sh. Majdi
Summary: In this study, a commercial polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane was used for the separation of soluble toluene compounds (C7H8) from an aqueous solution using the pervaporation (PV) process. The performance of the PDMS PV membrane was evaluated by analyzing the permeation flux and separation factor under different operating conditions. A quadratic equation model with parameters interactions was developed using nonlinear regression analysis to predict the permeation flux and separation factor. The feed concentration was found to have the most significant impact on the improvement of the PDMS membrane's permeation flux and separation factor.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
F. Russo, S. Santoro, F. Galiano, C. Ursino, E. Avruscio, E. Di Nicolo, G. Desiderio, G. Lombardo, A. Criscuoli, A. Figoli
Summary: A new non-invasive method utilizing a temperature-sensitive phosphorescent molecular probe and an infrared camera was proposed to evaluate the thermal polarization in hollow fiber membranes during the DCMD process. The temperature profile on the membrane surface was monitored in real time, providing insights into the thermal polarization phenomenon and strategies for its mitigation and counteraction.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jenan M. Shihab, Manal A. Toma, Abdulhakeem D. Hussein, Khalid T. Rashid
Summary: The study investigated the purification of crude sunflower oil using PVDF and PES membranes and found that PVDF membrane showed better removal of phospholipids and free fatty acid.
CHEMISTRY AFRICA-A JOURNAL OF THE TUNISIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Dhiyaa A. Hussein Al-Timimi, Qusay F. Alsalhy, Adnan A. AbdulRazak
Summary: In this study, uncoated silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) and polyethylenimine (PEI) coated silica nanoparticles (SiO2-g-PEI NPs) were impregnated into a polyethersulfone (PES) polymeric matrix via phase inversion technique. The performance of the mixed matrix membranes was evaluated for mebeverine hydrochloride (MBV) separation from aqueous pharmaceutical wastewater. The optimal performance was achieved with the nanocomposite membrane prepared with 0.9 wt% SiO2-g-PEI.
ALEXANDRIA ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kadhum M. Shabeeb, Wallaa A. Noori, Ali A. Abdulridha, Hasan Sh Majdi, Mohammad N. Al-Baiati, Ali A. Yahya, Khalid T. Rashid, Zoltan Nemeth, Klara Hernadi, Qusay F. Alsalhy
Summary: A newly developed water-soluble polymeric nano-additive called PCLNPG has been used as a pore former to modify a polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane for dye removal. The study found that the content of PCLNPG in the membrane affected its surface characteristics, morphological structure, and overall performance. Increasing the PCLNPG content improved the hydrophilicity and porosity of the membrane. Additionally, the increased porosity of the membrane was the main reason for the reduced contact angle. The prepared membrane with 3% PCLNPG showed significantly improved water flux and dye rejection, making it a potential option for treating textile wastewater.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Afraa H. Kamel, Qusay F. Alsalhy, Salah S. Ibrahim, Khalefa A. Faneer, S. Abdollatif Hashemifard, A. Jangizehi, S. Seiffert, Michael Maskos, Alireza Shakeri, Christoph Bantz
Summary: Novel draw solutes based on potassium-and modified sodium-functionalized carbon quantum dots were prepared and characterized. The results showed that the draw solutes exhibited high water flux and low reverse solute flux at a certain concentration. Furthermore, the draw solutes also demonstrated high water flux for different types of water sources at a specific concentration.
