Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiquan Cheng, Tongyu Li, Linlin Yan, Yang Jiao, Yingjie Zhang, Kai Wang, Zhongjun Cheng, Jun Ma, Lu Shao
Summary: On-demand biodegradable superhydrophilic membranes were developed for ultrafast purification of oily water. The use of polyethylene oxide hydrogels increased the hydrogen bonds formed between the membrane surface and water molecules by 357.6%, converting hydrophobic membranes into superhydrophilic ones. The newly designed nanofiber membranes exhibited a significant increase in oil-in-water emulsion permeance and separation efficiency, outperforming state-of-the-art membranes.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Rifan Hardian, Abdulaziz Alammar, Tibor Holtzl, Gyorgy Szekely
Summary: Membrane technologies have shown promise as an energy-efficient alternative for separation processes in various industries. This study focuses on the fabrication of oil and solvent-resistant nanofiltration membranes using cellulose and chitosan blends. The membranes exhibited outstanding separation performance and chemical stability, even in harsh solvents. By adjusting the cellulose-chitosan ratio, the molecular sieving properties of the membranes could be fine-tuned. The membranes also showed biodegradation potential, contributing to the sustainable lifecycle of membranes.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shinhyeong Choe, Yujin Kim, Geunyong Park, Do Hyun Lee, Jehee Park, Ayantu Teshome Mossisa, Sumin Lee, Jaewook Myung
Summary: This study evaluated the biodegradation behavior of 3D-printed prototypes made from various plastics and blends. The results showed that pure PHB and PLA/PHB blends exhibited significant biodegradation, while biodegradable/non-biodegradable blends had limited biodegradation. Immiscible blends showed partial degradation and antagonism to biodegradation due to phase separation and the barrier effect. PLA/HDPE and PLA/PP blends showed improved mechanical properties but resistance to biodegradation.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Mahdie Safarpour, Amir Safikhani, Vahid Vatanpour
Summary: This study provides an overview of recent developments in the application and modification of PVC membranes, highlighting various applications such as water and wastewater treatment, ion exchange, gas separation, pervaporation, electromembrane extraction, and composite membranes support. It reviews the preparation methods and applications of PVC membranes, as well as the modification methods to achieve desired morphology, performance, and stability, along with discussing the challenges and future perspectives of commercial PVC membranes.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Harsh D. Patel, Naveen K. Acharya
Summary: In this study, polymer blend membranes with graphene oxide (GO) were prepared by the solution cast method and their structure and properties were characterized. The experimental results showed that the addition of GO nanofillers could enhance the hydrogen gas permeability and selectivity of the blend membranes, indicating their potential application in hydrogen purification.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Junsik Bang, Subong Park, Sung-Wook Hwang, Jung-Kwon Oh, Hwanmyeong Yeo, Hyoung-Joon Jin, Hyo Won Kwak
Summary: In this study, biodegradable poly-butylene succinate (PBS) nanofibers with high productivity (27.0 g/h per nozzle) were successfully fabricated using the solution blow spinning (SBS) process. The prepared PBS nanofibers exhibited extremely thin fiber diameters (130 nm) with high porosity (97.4%). Without any chemical modification or inorganic/organic hybrid materialization, the PBS nanofibrous membrane showed excellent oil adsorption capacity and separation efficiency compared to conventional organic polymer-based nanofibers. After use, this biodegradable nanofibrous membrane can return to nature through hydrolysis and biodegradation processes.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marius Stelian Popa, Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Denis Mihaela Panaitescu
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the preparation, properties, and application of Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) blends with other biodegradable polymers. The focus is on the compatibility of PHB with other polymers and the methods used to improve dispersion and interface. The changes in PHB morphology, thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties induced by the second polymer are critically analyzed. The review also summarizes the biodegradability and recyclability strategies of PHB blends, along with the processing techniques adapted to the intended application.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Dong-Il Park, Yuzhen Dong, Shizhao Wang, Soo-Jeong Lee, Hyoung Jin Choi
Summary: Thermoplastic starch was blended with biodegradable polyesters (PBAT and PLA) to improve its performance and processability. The blended samples were characterized for their morphology, composition, thermal properties, and rheological behavior. The results showed that all samples exhibited shear thinning behavior and the blended samples had viscoelastic liquid behavior after melting.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ohchan Kwon, Yunkyu Choi, Eunji Choi, Minsu Kim, Yun Chul Woo, Dae Woo Kim
Summary: The review discusses eight physical methods for the fabrication of GO membranes, categorizing them based on batch-unit or continuous production into five small-scale (vacuum filtration, pressure-assisted filtration, spin coating, dip coating, drop-casting) and three large-scale (spray coating, bar/doctor blade coating, slot die coating) approaches. Large-scale methods offer the advantage of continuous production which is not limited by equipment dimensions but rather material availability, while small-scale methods are restricted by the size of the fabrication device.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jing Zhou, Xianglong Li, Teng Hou, Xianggui Zhang, Bin Yang
Summary: We have developed an environmentally friendly membrane with biomimetic nanostructure, which exhibits integrated properties such as sub-micron pore size, ultrahigh porosity, superhydrophilicity, and underwater superoleophobicity. The membrane shows excellent separation efficiency and high percolation flux, and also has the advantages of biodegradability and anti-oil-fouling property, making it suitable for long-term wastewater remediation.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Veerababu Polisetti, Paramita Ray
Summary: Thin-film composite nanofiltration membranes were prepared using nanoparticle modified ultrafiltration substrates, showing higher flux and rejection ratio of divalent to monovalent salts for TiO2 modified membranes. Membranes prepared on nanoparticle modified substrates exhibit higher flux recovery ratio and lower total fouling ratio compared to membranes prepared on virgin ultrafiltration substrates.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nazanin Nasrollahi, Maryam Yousefpoor, Alireza Khataee, Vahid Vatanpour
Summary: This review introduces the properties, structures, and chemistry of polyurethane and urea bond, and reviews the research related to polymeric separation membranes. The versatility of polyurethane, with its various forms and easy production, makes it suitable for various membrane applications.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Peter M. Budd, Andrew B. Foster
Summary: In the research on selective, productive, and robust membranes for gas and other separations, it is important to optimize the polymer used for the continuous phase and achieve good compatibility between different components. Current studies mainly focus on relatively thick films, and more research is needed to understand and control the behavior of thinner films that are more relevant to real-life applications.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cong Yang, Fuat Topuz, Sang-Hee Park, Gyorgy Szekely
Summary: A green TFC membrane using sustainable resources was developed, showing excellent solvent stability and separation performance for aqueous and organic solvent nanofiltration, with potential sustainability and environmental advantages.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Vesna Ocelic Bulatovic, Vilko Mandic, Dajana Kucic Grgic, Antonio Ivancic
Summary: This study explored the use of environmentally friendly biodegradable materials, such as Thermoplastic starch (TPS), as a replacement for conventional polymeric materials. By blending TPS with other biodegradable polymers like PLA and PCL, researchers aimed to create renewable, cost-effective materials that meet functional requirements and ensure complete biodegradation. The investigation of PLA/PCL/TPS ternary blends with compositional variations highlighted the potential for producing a new generation of biodegradable plastics without burdening the environment.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Saeed Samieirad, Seyed Mahmoud Mousavi, Ehsan Saljoughi
Summary: Monoethylene glycol (MEG) aqueous solution was regenerated using a novel thin-film composite (TFC) membrane in forward osmosis (FO) process, with a focus on improving chlorine resistance and membrane lifespan. The TFC membrane prepared under specific conditions during FO testing showed higher reverse flux selectivity and good water flux.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Sekineh Bakhshandeh Rostami, Ehsan Saljoughi, Seyed Mahmoud Mousavi, Shirin Kiani
Summary: Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) was used for the first time in a hydrophobic PV process, with nanocomposite membranes of PPSU/graphene (Gr) nanosheets successfully separating isopropyl benzene (cumene) from water. The mechanical properties and hydrophobicity of the membranes improved with the addition of Gr, and a membrane containing 3.5 wt% Gr showed the highest separation factor in pervaporation experiments.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Amirhosein Dashtbozorg, Ehsan Saljoughi, Seyed Mahmoud Mousavi, Shirin Kiani
Summary: In this study, hydrophilic MXene nanosheets were successfully synthesized and incorporated into PSF nanofiltration membranes. The addition of MXene nanosheets increased the membrane porosity, hydrophilicity, and tensile properties, leading to significantly improved rejection of salts and dye solutions by the nanofiltration membranes.
Article
Polymer Science
Mohammad Reza Khoshchehre, Ehsan Saljoughi, Shirin Kiani
Summary: This study investigated the effect of increased oxygenated groups of graphene oxide (GO) on its agglomeration tendency and gas separation properties of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). It was found that carboxylated GO (GO-COOH) exhibited better dispersion compared to GO, leading to higher tensile strength, elastic modulus, and thermal stability of the MMM. The PSU/0.2% GO-COOH membrane showed significantly improved CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 selectivity, surpassing previous literature and the 2019-updated Robeson upper bound.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ali Bidaki, Seyed Mahmoud Mousavi, Shirin Kiani, Fatemeh Hosseini
Summary: In this study, bitter orange juice was concentrated for the first time using the forward osmosis (FO) process. Cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB)/OH-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (FMWCNTs) membranes with different nanofiller concentrations were prepared and characterized. The effect of NaCl concentration on the FO process performance was evaluated. The CAB membrane incorporated with 0.3 wt% nanofiller and using 4.2 M NaCl concentration as the draw solution showed the highest water flux in the FO experiment. The developed CAB/FMWCNTs membrane showed promising potential for fruit juice concentration using FO.
JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hamideh Sardarabadi, Shirin Kiani, Hamed Karkhanechi, Seyed Mahmoud Mousavi, Ehsan Saljoughi, Hideto Matsuyama
Summary: Pervaporation, a membrane-based process for selective separation, has gained significant attention in recent years. Research has focused on developing nanocomposite membranes to improve the selectivity and permeability of polymeric membranes. This study provides a review of the fabrication methods, characterization, and performance of PV nanocomposite membranes.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Azadeh Nazif, Ehsan Saljoughi, Seyed Mahmoud Mousavi, Hamed Karkhanechi
Summary: Sulfonated poly (phenylene oxide) (SPPO)/MXene nanosheets cation exchange membranes (CEM) were prepared by solution casting technique. The effects of different sulfonation degrees (DS), polymer concentrations, and MXene loadings on the properties of CEMs were studied. The results showed that increasing DS, adding hydrophilic MXene nanosheets, and decreasing polymer concentration improved the hydrophilicity and conductivity of the CEMs. MXene nanosheets also increased the permselectivity and tensile strength of the membranes.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Mahya Najafipour, Seyed Mahmoud Mousavi, Ehsan Saljoughi, Shirin Kiani
Summary: The study evaluated the performance of PPSU/MXene composite membrane in acetone and IPA dehydration. By incorporating 1% MXene into the membrane, the separation factor and membrane performance in acetone dehydration were improved. This study suggests that PPSU/MXene is a promising membrane material for the PV dehydration of organics.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Vahid Zeynali, Seyed Mahmoud Mousavi, Ehsan Saljoughi, Shirin Kiani, Mika Sillanpaa
Summary: This study focused on the fabrication of a novel chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/hydroxyapatite (CPH) nanocomposite membrane and its application in removing Congo red (CR) from aqueous solutions. Adsorption tests were conducted on the optimized nanocomposite membrane containing 1 wt% hydroxyapatite after proper characterization. The impact of various factors on adsorption, such as temperature, contact time, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, and pH, was investigated. Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetics were found to best fit the experimental results, with an adsorption capacity of 491 mg/g.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Elnaz Sepehri, Seyed Mahmoud Mousavi, Ehsan Saljoughi, Masoumeh Bahreini, Marjan Doaei, Shirin Kiani
Summary: In this study, graphene oxide-silver (GO-Ag) nanocomposite was incorporated into polycaprolactone (PCL) membrane for the first time to enhance its antibacterial properties and reduce biofouling. The results showed that GO-Ag nanocomposite formed silver nanoparticles, and the PCL/GO-Ag membrane exhibited higher hydrophilicity, porosity, and water flux, while having lower protein rejection. The addition of GO-Ag nanocomposite increased the antibacterial effect of the PCL membrane. Rating: 8/10.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
