Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shengjun Bian, Yanyi Wang, Fangkun Xiao, Yunbo Tong, Congjie Gao, Guiru Zhu
Summary: In this study, TFN membranes with added hollow polymer phenolic resin nanospheres (HPS) and silver nanoparticles immobilized HPS (Ag/HPS) were successfully prepared. The results showed that the addition of HPS and Ag/HPS significantly improved the separation performance, long-term stability, and fouling resistance of TFN membranes.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kiyoumars Zarshenas, Haozhen Dou, Saeed Habibpour, Aiping Yu, Zhongwei Chen
Summary: This research explores a method of using plant-derived polyphenol tannic acid (TA) to form a stable layer on the surface of MXene (Ti3C2Tx) nanosheets, and fabricating high-performance reverse osmosis polyamide thin film nanocomposite (RO-PA-TFN) membranes by incorporating modified MXene (Ti3C2Tx-TA) nanosheets in the polyamide selective layer. The results show that this method can enhance water permeability, maintain a high NaCl rejection rate, and exhibits enhanced anti-fouling tendency.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yi Di Yuan, Xiaomei Zhang, Ziqi Yang, Dan Zhao
Summary: We present the antifouling properties of thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes containing two water-stable metal-organic cages (MOCs). These MOC-containing TFN membranes exhibit excellent resistance to positively-charged foulants and protein (BSA), with up to 99.7% water permeability retention and 100% water permeability recovery.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ji Wu, Jie Gao, Shing-Bor Chen, Tai-Shung Chung
Summary: Tuning the permeation properties of TFN membranes through molecular redesign is important for RO desalination performance above the trade-off limit. Activation by organic solvents can boost water permeability but has rejection loss constraints. This study innovatively integrated soluble organic macrocyclic cavitands in the activating solvent to form cavity-bearing nanocomposite structures, which improved water permeability and salt/boron rejection.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dong Wang, Shuya Li, Fulin Li, Jinmei Li, Nan Li, Zhining Wang
Summary: Compared with TFC membranes, the newly developed GOQD/Ag incorporated triple-layered TFN membrane (TFN-GOQD/Ag) showed significant alleviation of ICP, a greatly enhanced water flux of 65.8 L.m(-2).h(-1), and reduced specific reverse salt flux of 1.4 g.m(-2).h(-1); in addition, the TFN-GOQD/Ag membrane exhibited remarkable antibacterial activity against E. coli (99.8%) and S. aureus (97.3%).
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Wei Hu, Xinlin Zha, Nian Liu, Siqi Ma, Xin Liu, Ming Xia, Yonggang Yang, Yuanli Chen, Ke Liu, Dong Wang
Summary: In this study, a new method was developed to fabricate highly permeable polyamide nanocomposite membranes by adding silica nanorods and sodium dodecyl sulfate solution on the surface of EVOH nanofibrous scaffold through interfacial polymerization. The resulting membranes exhibited a foam-like polyamide layer with a hierarchical internal voids structure, showing excellent performance in terms of permeance.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mengni Ge, Zhuohui Jia, Quanguo Jiang, Guobing Ying, Yan Yang, Shaoyu Wu, Takashi Goto, Jianfeng Zhang
Summary: This study developed highly-permeable and antifouling thin-film nanocomposite membranes by incorporating graphitic carbon nitride nanomaterials into polyamide layer. The resulting membranes showed improved water permeability and rejection rate compared to traditional polyamide membranes, demonstrating the effectiveness of the modification approach.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jegatha Nambi Krishnan, Kaarthick Raaja Venkatachalam, Oindrila Ghosh, Krutarth Jhaveri, Advait Palakodeti, Nikhil Nair
Summary: Almost one billion people live in regions where water is scarce all over the world. It is estimated that by 2035, almost 3.5 billion people will be experiencing water scarcity. Membrane based technologies have been a popular choice in separation processes due to their advantages. In recent years, research in membrane technology has seen significant developments, especially in reducing energy footprints and cost. One such development is the use of nanoparticles in thin film composite membranes, known as Thin Film Nanocomposite Membranes (TFN). This review discusses the development, characteristics, advantages, and applications of TFN technology since its introduction in 2007 by Hoek.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qipeng Zhao, Die Ling Zhao, Tai-Shung Chung
Summary: In this study, a series of defective ZIF-8 (dZIF-8) nanoparticles with tuneable inner defects were successfully synthesized and incorporated into polyamide-based thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes for brackish water and seawater desalination. The newly developed TFN membranes showed higher separation performance for brackish water reverse osmosis (BWRO) desalination compared to normal ZIF-8-incorporated TFN membranes. Additionally, the TFN membranes exhibited a steady water flux and maintained salt rejection when used for seawater desalination.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Z. C. Ng, W. J. Lau, T. Matsuura, A. F. Ismail
Summary: TFN membranes, as an improved version of TFC RO membranes, show significant advantages in desalination, but challenges still exist in integrating with PA layer. Various fabrication techniques and characteristics of nanofillers play crucial roles in enhancing the performance of TFN membranes.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Kabo Matshetshe, Keneiloe Sikhwivhilu, Gebhu Ndlovu, Phumlani Tetyana, Nosipho Moloto, Zikhona Tetana
Summary: Incorporating beta-cyclodextrin-functionalized graphene oxide nanocomposites in polyamide membranes significantly enhances water permeation flux and antibacterial activity, while maintaining salt rejection. These nanocomposite membranes also exhibit improved antifouling properties, demonstrating greater stability and longer lifespan in desalination applications.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Obakeng B. Nchoe, Kabo Matshetshe, Muhammed As' Ballim, Phumlani Tetyana, Keneiloe Sikhwivhilu, Nosipho Moloto
Summary: In this study, polyamide (PA) thin-film composites (TFC) with embedded silver sulfide (Ag2S) nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated as reverse osmosis (RO) membranes to mitigate fouling. The TFN membranes were prepared by interfacial polymerization on a polysulfone support membrane. The addition of varied amounts of Ag2S NPs (20, 30, and 50 mg) in the aqueous phase resulted in membranes with enhanced antifouling and permselectivity performance. The TFN membranes exhibited high pure water flux, salt rejection, and resistance to fouling.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Fatemeh Abedi, Boguslaw Kruczek, Marc A. Dube
Summary: In this study, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were modified for better interaction with the organic monomer in the preparation of thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes. The modified CNCs showed significant improvement in membrane performance in reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) systems.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Feng Li, Theo Dongyu Liu, Silijia Xie, Jian Guan, Sui Zhang
Summary: The synthesized Cu-THQ MOF showed structural stability and enhanced hydrophilicity when incorporated into polyamide layers, leading to TFN membranes that broke the permeability-selectivity tradeoff by increasing water permeance and slightly enhancing salt rejection. Through different chemical and morphological characterizations, the underlying mechanism was probed, and the membranes also demonstrated improved tolerance to chlorine oxidation. With their excellent stability, the Cu-THQ MOF-based membranes further showed impressive performance in organic solvent nanofiltration involving dimethylformamide.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tianshi Yang, Tai-Shung Chung
Summary: This study enhanced the performance of pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) technology in thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) hollow fiber membranes by incorporating sulfocalix[4]arene (SCA4) and sulfothiacalix arene (STCAss) into the polyamide network. The experimental results showed that by optimizing the concentration of nano-fillers, higher PRO power density and lower reverse salt flux can be achieved. This research provides insights for the further design of PRO membranes and membrane modules for osmotic power generation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Arvin Sohrabi, Mousa Meratizaman, Shuli Liu
Summary: This paper simulates and discusses possible solutions to improve the economic and technical performances of a battery-less renewable energy-powered BWRO system under real climate conditions. The study finds that the photovoltaic-based system performs better in terms of specific energy consumption and unused energy ratio.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chunlan Pan, Xiaoyin Hu, Vishal Goyal, Theyab R. Alsenani, Salem Alkhalaf, Tamim Alkhalifah, Fahad Alturise, Hamad Almujibah, H. Elhosiny Ali
Summary: This paper introduces a novel waste heat recovery method using the hot flue gas from a ship's engine to produce liquefied hydrogen while meeting the ship's air-conditioning requirement. A comprehensive feasibility assessment is conducted and an artificial neural network with a multiobjective grey wolf optimization method is used for optimization. The findings indicate the highest mean sensitivity index of the flash temperature and the best optimization scenario for exergy efficiency, CO2 emission reduction, and liquefied hydrogen cost.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Daniele Chinello, Jan Post, Louis C. P. M. de Smet
Summary: In this study, PVDF-based anion-exchange membranes were designed to selectively separate nitrate from chloride. Experimental data showed that increasing the concentration of PVDF enhanced nitrate transport but also increased the membrane electrical resistance. The selectivity of nitrate was found to be independent of the membrane thickness and mainly driven by the increased affinity between the anion and the membrane.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Umar Noor, Muhammad Fayyaz Farid, Ammara Sharif, Amna Saleem, Zubair Nabi, Muhammad Furqan Mughal, Kiran Abbas, Toheed Ahmed
Summary: Global water scarcity is increasing, and water desalination is an important solution. Multifunctional advanced materials, such as membrane materials and solar-driven desalination, play a crucial role in water desalination. Additionally, these materials can be used for water purification, wastewater treatment, and pollutant elimination.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Emrah Gumus
Summary: With growing global concerns about climate change and environmental impacts, the use of nuclear energy in naval vessels offers a cleaner and more efficient solution to reduce emissions and address water and energy supply challenges. This study explores a novel system that combines a nuclear-driven supercritical carbon dioxide power cycle with reverse osmosis cogeneration to meet the water and electricity demands in maritime operations, enhancing the sustainability, efficiency, and self-sufficiency of naval vessels. The results indicate that the system has the potential to be a viable and effective solution for naval operations.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Dao Thi Thanh Huyen, Saikat Sinha Ray, Young -Nam Kwon
Summary: This study focuses on the modification of a commercially available polyamide thin-film composite membrane with a zwitterionic material to enhance its fouling resistance. The modified membrane shows improved salt rejection and reduced permeability compared to the pristine membrane. Fouling tests demonstrate that the modified membrane has a lower fouling ratio and higher recovery ratio. The enhanced antifouling characteristics are attributed to the improved hydrophilicity resulting from the zwitterionic brushes and the salting-in effect.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Niklas Koeller, Lukas Mankertz, Selina Finger, Christian J. Linnartz, Matthias Wessling
Summary: This study presents a methodology to scale up Flow-electrode Capacitive Deionization (FCDI) technology from lab-scale to pilot-scale systems. By increasing membrane area and using a stacking approach, the FCDI modules were successfully scaled up and achieved a salt transfer rate comparable to lab-scale systems. This provides a foundation for future assessments of energy demand and economics.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mona Gulied, Sifani Zavahir, Tasneem Elmakki, Hyunwoong Park, Guillermo Hijos Gago, Ho Kyong Shon, Dong Suk Han
Summary: This study introduces a novel hybrid system that combines direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) and electrically switched ion exchange (ESIX) to facilitate seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) brine enrichment and selective lithium recovery.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhiqiang Zhang, Ruifeng Deng, Jiao Zhang, Lu She, Guangfeng Wei, Renyong Jia, Pengyu Xiang, Siqing Xia
Summary: A transmembrane electro-chemisorption system with authigenic acid and base was developed for enhancing ammonia recovery from strong ammonia wastewater. The system efficiently transformed ammonium into free ammonia, which was then adsorbed and recovered through transmembrane chemisorption. This system yielded pure (NH4)2SO4 product and produced valuable byproducts of pure hydrogen and oxygen. Higher applied voltage resulted in better ammonia recovery.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alena Popova, Sandrine Boivin, Takuji Shintani, Takahiro Fujioka
Summary: This study aimed to produce a high-integrity RO membrane by forming a polyamide skin layer on a TE support layer, in order to enhance the integrity of the membrane and improve the microbiological safety of potable water reuse.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sanjana Yagnambhatt, Saber Khanmohammadi, Jonathan Maisonneuve
Summary: This study investigates the concept of using heat to enhance reverse osmosis (RO) desalination. The effect of temperature on water permeate flux, specific energy, permeate quality, and applied operating pressures is evaluated using an analytical model. The results suggest that under specific conditions, the tradeoff between savings in mechanical pump work and thermal energy input in thermally-enhanced RO can be favorable, leading to overall energy savings.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiangju Si, Chenrui Xue, Shun Li, Linchao Yang, Weiwei Li, Jie Yang, Jihong Lan, Ningbo Sun
Summary: To meet the huge demand for lithium resources, there is an urgent need to develop a new efficient technology for lithium recovery from salt-lake brines. In this study, a selective membrane capacitive deionization system is reported, which achieves high lithium recovery capacity and rate through the use of materials with efficient intercalated pseudo-capacitance and a high specific area porous carbon. The use of a modified thin-coated membrane allows for selective Li+ recovery, and adjusting the concentrations of Li+ and Mg2+ in the feed solution enables higher Li+/Mg2+ selectivity.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mohamed R. Salem, R. Y. Sakr, Ghazy M. R. Assassa, Omar A. Aly
Summary: This research proposes a new method of using wasted thermal energies as an additional heating source for solar still distillation units (SSDUs) to increase productivity and reduce pollution and global warming. By testing two SSDUs, the study shows that heating airflow can raise temperatures, enhance freshwater production, and improve system thermal efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qimeng Sun, Miao Sun, Linyan Yang, Yuan Gao, Xinghai Zhou, Lihua Lyu, Chunyan Wei
Summary: This study presents an innovative design and fabrication of a fabric-based conical roll (FCR) evaporator, which enables low-temperature evaporation and achieves high evaporation efficiency with excellent thermal management ability. The evaporator has demonstrated advanced light-harvesting capability and can produce freshwater that meets drinking water standards, showing great potential for applications in desalination and sewage treatment.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yidong Zhang, Wangfang Deng, Meiyan Wu, Chao Liu, Guang Yu, Qiu Cui, Pedram Fatehi, Chunlin Xu, Bin Li
Summary: In this study, a novel polydopamine-functionalized lignin-containing pulp foam evaporator with high-efficiency desalination and multi-contaminant adsorption capabilities was designed. The foam evaporator showed excellent light absorption, water absorption, thermal conductivity, and chelation abilities, allowing for solar evaporation and contaminant adsorption synergistically. It also exhibited potential applications in metal ion concentration and contaminated seawater treatments, and demonstrated superior biodegradability compared to poly-styrene foam. This foam material holds promise for developing multifunctional photo-thermal systems for solar-driven water purification.