Article
Engineering, Environmental
Carmen A. Velasco, Adrian J. Brearley, Jorge Gonzalez-Estrella, Abdul-Mehdi S. Ali, Maria Isabel Meza, Stephen E. Cabaniss, Bruce M. Thomson, Tori Z. Forbes, Juan S. Lezama Pacheco, Jose M. Cerrato
Summary: The study found that natural organic matter (NOM) promotes the precipitation of U(VI) at low pH, which could be relevant to the formation of mineral deposits, radioactive waste repositories, wetlands, and other U- and organic-rich environmental systems. Adsorption and precipitation of U(VI) in the presence of NOM occur at pH 2 and pH 4, while aqueous complexation of U by dissolved organic matter is favored at pH 7, preventing its precipitation. Spectroscopic analyses showed that U(VI) is mainly adsorbed to particulate organic matter at pH 4, but electron microscopy identified U(VI)-bearing ultrafine to nanocrystalline solids at pH 4.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tarun Maity, Abhishek Aggarwal, Subhadeep Dasgupta, Vasumathi Velachi, Ashish Kumar Singha Deb, Sk Musharaf Ali, Prabal K. Maiti
Summary: Using MD simulations and experimental studies, we investigated the adsorption and removal of uranyl ions from aqueous solutions using PAMAM dendrimers. Our results show that PAMAM has a high adsorption capacity for uranyl ions, which increases with higher ion concentrations and dendrimer generations. This suggests that PAMAM is an effective adsorbent for removing uranyl ions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ying Xiong, Erping Bi
Summary: The study investigated the interaction between endogenetic biochar-derived dissolved organic matter (BDOM) and pollutants in the environment. The results showed that BDOM with weaker aromaticity and higher molecular weight was preferentially released, leading to changes in the structural properties of biochar that weakened TC adsorption. Additionally, the released BDOM could form a complex with TC in solution to prevent TC adsorption on biochar.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michael P. Schmidt, Steven D. Siciliano, Derek Peak
Summary: This study investigated the interaction between boric acid and a polyphenolic SOM analogue, tannic acid, at varying concentrations under different pH conditions. The results showed that boric acid enhanced the deprotonation of tannic acid at pH = 7 and 9, leading to an increasing binding affinity between boric acid and tannic acid from pH = 5 to 9.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hesong Wang, Jinlong Wang, Jing Zhao, Han Zhang, Luming Liu, Xueying Sun, Guibai Li, Heng Liang
Summary: As an emerging MOF material, MIL-101(Cr) demonstrates a high NOM adsorption capacity and can improve permeate quality in both separation mode (SM) and coating mode (CM). MIL-101(Cr) influences membrane fouling behaviors and has a dual role in the integrated system, reducing fouling but also causing additional filtration resistance. The 7C-7C interactions and salt-bridges between MIL-101(Cr) and NOM play a dominant role in adsorption. SM is more efficient in mitigating membrane fouling, while CM achieves the same permeate quality with less MIL-101(Cr) usage and reaction time. This study provides a scientific basis for the widespread application of MOFs.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Muthia Elma, Amalia Enggar Pratiwi, Aulia Rahma, Erdina Lulu Atika Rampun, Mahmud Mahmud, Chairul Abdi, Raissa Rosadi, Dede Heri Yuli Yanto, Muhammad Roil Bilad
Summary: The study investigated the use of coagulation and adsorption as pretreatments for ultrafiltration to remove NOM from peat water. The results showed that the combination of these treatment stages significantly improved the UF performance by effectively reducing NOM and lowering fouling propensity.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Yubing Sun, Ying Li
Summary: This review summarizes the application of surface complexation modeling in fitting uranium adsorption, providing beneficial guidelines for predicting the transport and fate of uranium in geologic environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhou Hui, Xie Yi, Xuqian Wang, Yang Huan, Yabo Wang, Yongkui Zhang
Summary: Aluminum-doped hydroxyapatite (Al-HAP) was synthesized as an efficient adsorbent for uranium removal from aqueous solution, showing good adsorption performance and reusability, and having potential for practical application.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Emmanuel Ren, Francois-Xavier Coudert
Summary: Adsorption-based techniques for gas separation using nanoporous materials are widely studied. Systematic identification of the best-performing materials for a given application is still an open problem. This study presents a machine-learning-assisted screening process, which includes fast grid calculation of interaction energies and newly designed geometrical descriptors, to predict the selectivity of nanoporous structures under different operating conditions. The proposed method shows promising results in the separation of a xenon/krypton mixture, demonstrating its potential for preselecting the best performing materials.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaochen Huang, Bingqian Xu, Shishu Zhu, Fang Ma, Chao Jin
Summary: This study investigated the impact of biochar-derived dissolved organic matter (BDOM) on the immobilization of lead (Pb(II)) on biochar (BC). Results showed that fulvic-like substances and small molecules with low aromaticity in BDOM favored association with Pb(II) and re-adsorption on residual BC, with the adsorption mechanism dependent on the Pb(II) concentration. This research provides insights into the interfacial mechanisms between BDOM and Pb(II) and their contribution to long-term remediation of Pb-contaminated soils using BC.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yangyang Zhang, Jeremy B. Fein, Yilian Li, Qiang Yu, Bo Zu, Chunli Zheng
Summary: The study demonstrated that LHA-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibit pH-dependent U(VI) adsorption and follow the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, with good recoverability for adsorption. The adsorption mechanism involves both Fe surface sites and oxygen-containing groups, with binding onto carboxyl sites dominating at the highest extents of LHA coating.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ahmed A. Younes, Ahmed M. Masoud, Mohamed H. Taha
Summary: The study demonstrates the effective removal of U(VI) ions from aqueous solutions using amino-functionalised cross-linked polyacrylamide adsorbent, achieving a maximum adsorption capacity of 68.6 mg/g under specific conditions. Experimental results show that the adsorption process follows the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second order kinetic mechanism.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Ziyi Xiao, Xianjun Xie, Kunfu Pi, Jiaming Gong, Yanxin Wang
Summary: The compound of arsenic (As)-iron (Fe)-organic matter (OM) is crucial for the mobilization of arsenic under irrigation conditions. Organic matter interacts with arsenic and iron minerals to promote the mobility of arsenic.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xu Zhang, Renjuan Liu, Hai Wang, Longcheng Liu, Chengtao Yue
Summary: In this study, a series of phosphate-containing mesoporous carbon (PC) were successfully fabricated and they showed high content phosphate group, large specific surface area, and tunable mesoporous structure. The PC exhibited efficient adsorption of uranium at a wide pH range, with a maximum uptake capacity of 928 mg g -1, ranking as one of the most effective adsorbents. The mesoporous structure of PC allowed for rapid adsorption equilibrium within 60 seconds and excellent adsorption selectivity. Furthermore, the PC showed good recyclability and could be used for dynamic column adsorption of uranyl (VI) ion from uranium-containing solution. The excellent adsorption performances of PC highlight their great potential in uranium extraction.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Ziyi Xiao, Xianjun Xie, Kunfu Pi, Jiaming Gong, Yanxin Wang
Summary: The study highlights the important role of organic matter in the mobilization and transformation of arsenic and iron under high-arsenic groundwater irrigation conditions. Irrigation activities led to the accumulation of arsenic in groundwater and an increase in arsenic content in topsoil. Organic matter promotes arsenic-iron-OM complexation reactions, influencing the mobilization and transformation of arsenic.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Roman Lyubimenko, Oscar I. Gutierrez Cardenas, Andrey Turshatov, Bryce S. Richards, Andrea Schaefer
Summary: The study demonstrates efficient degradation of steroid-hormone micropollutants through a photocatalytic membrane reactor, achieving significant removal of estradiol and estrone at environmentally relevant concentrations. This provides insights into solar-driven photocatalytic water treatment technologies for effective removal of micropollutants.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Roman Lyubimenko, Bryce S. Richards, Andrea Schafer, Andrey Turshatov
Summary: The study found that while Zn-porphyrin may be slightly less effective than noble-metal analogues, it might outperform Pd-porphyrin in terms of photostability and price-performance ratio.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Eric Lichtfouse, Nadia Morin-Crini, Corina Bradu, Youssef-Amine Boussouga, Mehran Aliaskari, Andrea Iris Schaefer, Soumya Das, Lee D. Wilson, Michihiko Ike, Daisuke Inoue, Masashi Kuroda, Sebastien Deon, Patrick Fievet, Gregorio Crini
Summary: Contamination of waters by metals, metalloids, and organometallic pollutants is a global health issue. The presence of selenium, particularly at high concentrations in water, is a growing concern, especially in developing countries. Selenium is difficult to remove due to its presence in complex mixtures and competition with other anions. Remediation methods rely on various techniques such as zero-valent iron, nanofiltration, and activated granular sludge.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yang-Hui Cai, Claus J. J. Burkhardt, Andrea I. I. Schafer
Summary: This study evaluates the feasibility of spontaneous osmotic backwash (OB) as a self-cleaning method for controlling organic fouling. The results show that low-level solar irradiance and high cleaning frequency can improve OB cleaning efficiency, while high salinity and extreme pH weaken the effectiveness of OB.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Shabnam Lotfi, Kristina Fischer, Agnes Schulze, Andrea Schaefer
Summary: A polyethersulfone-titanium dioxide membrane was used to effectively remove micropollutants during the photocatalytic degradation of steroid hormones in a flow-through photocatalytic membrane reactor. The membrane, with its nanoscale size and high surface area, facilitated close contact between the micropollutants and the photocatalytic radicals, resulting in high removal efficiency even at environmentally relevant concentrations.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sheying Li, Michele Milia, Andrea Schafer, Bryce S. Richards
Summary: This study investigates the energy consumption of two ultrafiltration (UF) backwashing configurations in a small-scale photovoltaic-powered membrane system. The study compares the energy consumption of a bladder tank and a backwash pump powered by supercapacitors under varying solar irradiance conditions. The study also proposes a method to simulate fouling without adding foulants. The findings suggest that the bladder tank configuration has a smaller energy consumption than the backwash pump configuration, and a backwash interval of 60 minutes provides a good compromise between energy consumption and membrane fouling mitigation.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Roman Lyubimenko, Andrey Turshatov, Alexander Welle, Peter G. Weidler, Bryce S. Richards, Andrea I. Scha
Summary: The application of poly (vinylidene-fluoride) membranes can enhance the photocatalytic degradation of micropollutants, but light propagation and pollutant concentration remain limiting factors.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Youssef-Amine Boussouga, Hieu Than, Andrea I. Schaefer
Summary: Nanofiltration was studied for the removal of selenium contaminants in drinking water, with a focus on the role of selenium speciation and membrane charge screening on retention mechanisms. The pH and organic matter were found to have significant effects on the retention of selenium, with Donnan exclusion being the dominant mechanism. The use of nanofiltration showed promising results for removing selenium from real water samples.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yang -Hui Cai, Akhil Gopalakrishnan, Kaumudi Pradeep Deshmukh, Andrea I. Schafer
Summary: Organic matter in water can cause membrane fouling, which is difficult to clean. Spontaneous osmotic backwash induced by solar irradiance fluctuation has been found to be effective in cleaning membrane systems. However, different types of organic matter have different adhesive interactions with membranes, which affects the effectiveness of backwash. It was also discovered that certain types of organic matter, such as humic substances, polyphenolic compounds, and biopolymers, can increase organic fouling potential and weaken the backwash effect through calcium-facilitated adhesion.
Retraction
Engineering, Chemical
Alaa Mohamed Khalil, Andrea Iris Schafer
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mehran Aliaskari, Ramatisa L. Ramos, Andrea Schaefer
Summary: In this study, the removal of arsenic and selenium from brackish water using a batch electrodialysis system was investigated. The results showed that the removal of these elements was influenced by pH and salinity, with higher concentrations leading to higher removal rates. Electromigration transport was found to be the dominant mechanism, and the ionic characteristics played a key role in the removal process. Real contaminated groundwater samples also demonstrated the potential of electrodialysis for selective removal of more mobile ions.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mohammad Allouzi, Alessandra Imbrogno, Andrea Schaefer
Summary: Nanofiltration membranes can retain micropollutants to a large extent, but breakthrough and incomplete removal may occur. This study investigates the permeation of micropollutants in tight and loose membranes, focusing on the energy barriers for transport. The results show that the energy barriers for steroid hormone transport in tight membranes are entropically dominated, while the loose membranes enable partitioning at the pore entrance.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
James Joseph, Youssef-Amine Boussouga, Maria Di Vincenzo, Mihail Barboiu, Andrea I. Schaefer
Summary: Investigation of ion transport through artificial water channel-polyamide (AWC-PA) composite membrane revealed that the membrane provides comparable rejection and permselectivity to commercial membranes, except for bivalent cations. The study also found that strongly hydrated bivalent cations enhance the transport through AWC-PA by water clusters. Additionally, reducing the surface charge of AWC-PA membrane by adjusting pH and ionic strength decreases the rejection of anions.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Akhil Gopalakrishnan, Muriel Bouby, Andrea Schaefer
Summary: The structure and size characterization of organic matter using flow field-flow fractionation is important for understanding its interactions in aquatic systems and water treatment processes. This study investigated the membrane-organic matter (OM) interactive forces and found that a tight membrane with a low molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) achieved the best fractionation of polystyrene sulfonate sodium salt (PSS) solutes. The fractionation was influenced by factors such as flow rates, solution pH, and ionic strength. The study demonstrated that the FFFF process can be analyzed based on the interactive forces controlled by flow, size, and charge parameters.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Matteo Tagliavini, Minh Nhat Nguyen, Andrea Iris Schaefer
Summary: Ultrafiltration combined with a thin polymer-based activated carbon (PBSAC) layer is an effective solution for removing estrogenic micropollutants from water. By using a 2 mm PBSAC layer, the proposed drinking water limit for 17β-estradiol (E2) at 1 ng L-1 can be achieved even with a feed concentration of 100 ng L-1. The breakthrough curve model developed in this study can accurately predict the required layer thickness for different feed concentrations, aiding in the process design for treating micropollutants.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
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)