Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bin Liu, Qiancheng Xia, Yang Zhao, Guandao Gao
Summary: This study presents a universal dielectrophoresis-based membrane antifouling strategy, which depends on the particle polarizability rather than its charge. The experimental results show that dielectrophoresis forces can effectively prevent membrane fouling by colloidal particles and facilitate loose cake layer formation, reducing membrane fouling.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tao Zhang, Xin Guo, Brusly Solomon, Mohsen Sharifpur, Li-Zhi Zhang
Summary: In this study, a hydrophobic-hydrophilic composite hollow fiber membrane with remarkable antiwetting and antifouling properties was successfully prepared to address the issues of membrane fouling and wetting in seawater desalination. The membrane, prepared using a chemical grafting method, exhibited low moisture transfer resistance and a superhydrophobic surface, resulting in a sustained high permeate flux.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Saly R. El-Dakkony, Mahmoud F. Mubarak, Hager R. Ali, Amany Gaffer, Y. M. Moustafa, A-H Abdel-Rahman
Summary: In this study, a novel composite membrane containing activated carbon thin film (ACTF) as an adsorbent was developed to enhance desalination efficiency and anti-fouling properties. By modifying waste materials to prepare ACTF and combining it with Nylon, the multifunctional membrane demonstrated improved purification efficiency and stability in desalination processes, even under high pressure conditions. Additionally, SEM examinations revealed a thin layer of sludge-type deposits on the membrane surface, indicating the successful prevention of inorganic fouling.
ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Amirreza Malekanfard, Zhijian Liu, Hui Zhao, Yongxin Song, Xiangchun Xuan
Summary: Insulator-based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) is a emerging technique for particle manipulation in microfluidic devices, where induced charge electroosmisis (ICEO) and electrothermal flow (ETF) exhibit different strength vortex patterns in low and high electric conductivity fluids, but become marginal in moderate-concentration buffers due to opposing effects of ICEO and ETF.
PHYSICAL REVIEW FLUIDS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Juan L. Fajardo-Diaz, Aaron Morelos-Gomez, Rodolfo Cruz-Silva, Akito Matsumoto, Yutaka Ueno, Norihiro Takeuchi, Kotaro Kitamura, Hiroki Miyakawa, Syogo Tejima, Kenji Takeuchi, Koichi Tsuzuki, Morinobu Endo
Summary: The robust nanocomposite reverse osmosis (RO) module, assembled using crosslinked polyamide (PA) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) membranes, showed high salt rejection rates and excellent antifouling behavior in laboratory tests using bovine serum albumin in simulated seawater. The industrial vessel built with CNT-PA nanocomposite modules demonstrated superior antifouling performance and stable operation for over 100 days in pilot-plant tests with real seawater, compared to a commercial antifouling vessel. These CNT-PA nanocomposite RO antifouling modules are ideal for desalination plants, requiring less maintenance and promoting green desalination technology.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
A. A. Poyarkov, D. I. Petukhov, A. A. Eliseev
Summary: The performance of nanoporous polypropylene membrane contactors in water evaporative transfer processes is reported in this paper, considering membrane packing density, flow, and temperature conditions. The efficiency of heat and mass transfer in the membrane evaporator is evaluated under various partial pressure gradients and gas phase Reynolds numbers. By inducing convective flows in the gas phase, the evaporation efficiency increases and reaches 4.6 kg x m-2xh-1 (3.0 kW x m-2xh-1) at the inlet water temperature of 60 degrees C. The efficiency is achieved through heat extraction from the gaseous phase and evaporation of water from the external surface of fibers. A thin graphene oxide coating is applied to prevent liquid penetration through the pores and salts crystallization, although slightly reducing the membrane performance.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuling Ren, Pengfei Qi, Yinhua Wan, Chulong Chen, Xiangrong Chen, Shichao Feng, Jianquan Luo
Summary: In this study, a mix charged NF membrane was prepared using an etching-swelling-planting strategy. The membrane exhibited high salt permeation, high retention of small organics, and excellent antifouling performance.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Y. Pathania, Gaganpreet
Summary: Molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the mechanism of water transport and ions movement across nanoporous phosphorene for water desalination. The desalination performance is strongly influenced by structure of nanopore such as size, shape, water-membrane interaction and applied pressure.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ling Wang, Mohammad Kahrizi, Peng Lu, Yayu Wei, Hong Yang, Yifei Yu, Linghui Wang, Yanshuo Li, Shuaifei Zhao
Summary: Support layer properties play a critical role in the desalination performance of TFC membranes by impacting the formed rejection layer and water transport. Adjusting the support layer properties can enhance water permeability and antifouling capabilities of TFC membranes.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Yanqiu Zhang, Fan Yang, Hongguang Sun, Yongping Bai, Songwei Li, Lu Shao
Summary: This study constructed highly permeable nanoporous membranes using the versatile functions of glucose and dopamine, which demonstrated excellent performance and stability in desalination.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaojiao Li, Kanupriya Nayak, Manfred Stamm, Bijay P. Tripathi
Summary: A simple methodology for preparing nano-porous polysulfone membranes with zwitterionic functionalized silica nanogels is reported, showing high BSA protein rejection and antifouling properties. The zwitterionic membranes exhibited improved water permeation and dye rejection while maintaining high water uptake and protein rejection rates.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nuur Fahanis Che Lah, Abdul Latif Ahmad, Nur Dina Zaulkiflee
Summary: The molecular imprinting polymer (MIP) technology combined with membrane technology allows for the production of polymers with molecular selectivity for separation and adsorption. The researchers in this study copolymerized commercial scaffold monomers with template-containing monomers to selectively segregate target molecules. The use of MIP in combination with membrane structure as filtering materials for selective separation was investigated. By embedding the imprinted polymer in polyethersulfone (PES) membranes using phase inversion in water as a non-solvent, the researchers explored the possibility of enhancing the membrane-binding mechanism and membrane flux. The optimal membrane concentration was found to be 17% PES, which demonstrated high binding capacity and permeate flux.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Keyu Ji, Chengkun Liu, Haijun He, Xue Mao, Liang Wei, Hao Wang, Mengdi Zhang, Yutong Shen, Runjun Sun, Fenglei Zhou
Summary: In the field of water purification, membrane separation technology, particularly electrospun nanofiber membranes, plays a significant role. These membranes are produced through the electrospinning method, which is straightforward, low cost, and offers functional diversity and process controllability. The structural characteristics of electrospun nanofiber membranes can be flexibly controlled, and various membrane material combinations can be utilized to achieve high-performance water treatment membranes with high porosity, selectivity, and microporous permeability. The current research focuses on creating high-permeability membranes with outstanding selectivity, antifouling performance, physical and chemical performance, and long-term stability. This paper reviews the preparation methods and properties of electrospun nanofiber membranes for water treatment, discusses antifouling technologies, research progress, and future development directions.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Daowei Xia, Mengxiao Zhang, Congcong Tong, Zhanghui Wang, Hongzhi Liu, Liping Zhu
Summary: The developed TFN membrane in this study, incorporating zwitterionic nanocellulose, demonstrated superior permselectivity and antifouling properties, showing increased water permeance and enhanced divalent salt rejection. It exhibited highly efficient antibiotic desalination and improved antifouling capability and cleaning recovery ability, with promising potentials in separation fields.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dongwei Lu, Zongyao Zhou, Zhihong Wang, Duc Tarn Ho, Guan Sheng, Long Chen, Yumeng Zhao, Xiang Li, Li Cao, Udo Schwingenschlogl, Jun Ma, Zhiping Lai
Summary: Nanoporous graphene membranes enable high water flux and salt rejection in membrane distillation, offering potential for sustainable seawater desalination.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
Qinlong Ren, Chenxing Liang, Zexiao Wang, Z. G. Qu
Summary: This study successfully achieved stable trapping and recovery rates of bacteria in a designed microfluidic chip device under appropriate parameter conditions using a new numerical simulation method, demonstrating the potential of continuous bacteria trapping from whole blood.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chenxing Liang, Archith Rayabharam, N. R. Aluru
Summary: In this study, the structural and dynamical properties of water and heavy water under nanoscale confinement were investigated using path integral molecular dynamics simulations. It was found that under nanoscale confinement, the bond length and bond angle of both water and heavy water were smaller compared to the bulk state. The number of hydrogen bonds decreased, indicating a weakened hydrogen bond interaction. Heavy water had a higher dipole moment and stronger hydrogen bonding than water.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
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.