Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lijuan Pang, Jochen Meier-Haack, Shaolong Huang, Lu Qi, Hongzhi Cui, Shuangchen Ruan, Yu-Jia Zeng
Summary: Membrane technology provides a reliable solution for fresh water production through sustainable desalination, but membrane biofouling can lead to system performance decline. Nanotechnology has expanded options for developing antibiofouling membranes by incorporating nanoparticles to create thin-film nanocomposite structures. This review discusses advancements in antifouling TFN membranes preparation, incorporation of different nanoparticles, strategies for reducing membrane fouling, and proposes future outlook for the field.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Giuseppe Genduso, Anton Missinne, Zain Ali, Wojciech Ogieglo, Bart Van der Bruggen, Ingo Pinnau
Summary: The study investigated the pervaporative desalination of synthetic seawater and brines using a PDMS thin-film composite membrane, demonstrating high water permeance and exceptional NaCl rejection. The PDMS composite membrane showed outstanding pure water flux even at high temperatures and with salt presence in the feed water, performing among the best compared with hydrophilic TFC polymer membranes reported previously.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Jirasuta Chungprempree, Sutep Charoenpongpool, Jitima Preechawong, Nithi Atthi, Manit Nithitanakul
Summary: The key to preventing undesirable fouling in the marine environment is to use a polymer film with high hydrophobicity that does not harm microorganisms. A polymer blend of hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane elastomer and hydrophilic polyurethane showed improved properties and economic viability for antifouling film in the marine industry. Additionally, surface patterning on the polymer blend film further increased hydrophobicity, making it suitable for antifouling applications.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mojtaba Amini, Mohammad Nikkhoo, Mojtaba Bagherzadeh, Mohammad Mahdi Ahadian, Arshad Bayrami, Hadi Naslhajian, Mohammad Hasanzadeh Karamjavan
Summary: A novel thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane modified by MoS2@Zeolite X nanocomposite was used for desalination by the forward osmosis (FO) method. The incorporation of MoS2@Zeolite X nanocomposite particles into the polyamide selective layer of the TFN membrane improved its desalination performance and antifouling properties. The TFN-MZ(2) membrane, containing 0.01wt% MoS2@Zeolite X, showed the highest water flux and antifouling tendency among the membranes tested.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Shikha A. Ebrahim, Emil Pradeep
Summary: This study investigates the viability of using natural seawater as a coolant in the Arabian Gulf region, and compares seawater samples collected from different locations. The results show that seawater from the southern part of Kuwait exhibits improved cooling performance, while seawater from Shuwaikh port has a negative impact on cooling performance.
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
Engineering, Chemical
Die Ling Zhao, Qipeng Zhao, Hongjun Lin, Shing Bor Chen, Tai-Shung Chung
Summary: Polydopamine (PDA) is commonly used to modify membrane surfaces for better hydrophilicity and reduced fouling. However, traditional modifications only happen on the surface and can lower water permeance and salt rejection. In this study, a pressure assisted coating method was used to overcome these issues by adjusting the inner structure of membranes during PDA modification. By coating with PDA under 2 bar pressure for 3 hours, the resulting membranes showed improved water permeance and salt rejection to 3.31 LMH/bar and 98.95%, respectively. The PDA modified membranes also exhibited excellent antifouling behavior when exposed to alginate sodium. Overall, this newly developed PDA coating method effectively enhances the desalination performance of TFC membranes for water treatment and reuse.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sung-Joon Park, Myung-Seok Lee, Heewoong Yoon, Jae Hong Kim, Sungkwon Jeon, Seung Su Shin, Minuk Yang, Jieun Choi, Jiwon Seo, Jung-Hyun Lee
Summary: A biofouling-resistant and high-performance polyamide thin-film composite membrane was successfully fabricated by adding a biomimetic antimicrobial peptoid during the interfacial polymerization process. The resulting membrane exhibited superior separation performance and long-term stability.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Miao Tian, HuiJuan Xu, Lei Yao, Rong Wang
Summary: A green antimicrobial lysozyme nanofilm was developed and successfully reduced membrane fouling by introducing remarkable antibacterial and antifouling properties. The protein-based biomaterial demonstrated a safe and environmentally friendly way of antimicrobials, showing significant potential for reducing membrane fouling in membrane filtration applications.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mojtaba Bagherzadeh, Arshad Bayrami, Zahra Shekari, Mojtaba Amini
Summary: This article discusses the improvement in forward osmosis performance of PES/PA membranes by using pre-modified zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 MOF nanoparticles, which enhance water flux and selectivity while resisting fouling. Through coating MOF nanocrystals with a mSiO2 shell and modifying them with GPTMS and aspartic acid, the optimal membrane (TFN400) achieved high water flux, selectivity, and resistance to fouling.
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)
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jenny Nambikkattu, Anoopa Ann Thomas, Noel Jacob Kaleekkal, Thanigaivelan Arumugham, Shadi W. Hasan, Saravanamuthu Vigneswaran
Summary: The study developed thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes using a mesoporous cellular foam composite as a hydrophilic filler. The incorporation of nanomaterial onto the TFN membrane improved its permeability and anti-fouling abilities. The optimized TFN membrane showed high rejection for small-sized organics and salts, making it suitable for wastewater treatment and desalination applications.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhimeng Sun, Shihe Zhang, Zhongguo Zhang, Yiyong Yang, Chunhui Zhang, Yu Qian, Xiaojing Ren
Summary: In this study, a forward osmosis composite membrane was prepared using poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) (PMIA) as the substrate and embedded in a high-porosity polyester mesh to form a support layer through an interfacial polymerization process. The effects of preparation conditions on performance were investigated. The self-made PMIA TFC-FO membrane showed excellent hydrophilicity and fouling resistance, making it a suitable candidate for high water flux and selectivity in seawater desalination.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Chenjie Song, Li Wang, Xin Li, Lin Guo, Yumin Leng, Xiaoli Jin, Liqun Ye
Summary: A hybrid film with over 99% desalination efficiency and a maximum desalination capacity of 10 kg/m2/h under simulated sunlight was developed. It consists of a hydrophilic polymer framework (chitin) and a solar absorber (CuS) with porous structure for water transportation. The hybrid films also have excellent strength, high elasticity, and high cycling rates.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lisendra Marbelia, Muhammad R. Bilad, Sarah Maes, Hassan A. Arafat, Ivo F. J. Vankelecom
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Nurshaun Sreedhar, Navya Thomas, Oraib Al-Ketan, Reza Rowshan, Hector Hemandez, Rashid K. Abu Al-Rub, Hassan A. Arafat
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Taofeeqah A. Agbaje, Samer Al-Gharabli, Musthafa O. Mavukkandy, Joanna Kujawa, Hassan A. Arafat
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Navya Thomas, Nurshaun Sreedhar, Oraib Al-Ketan, Reza Rowshan, Rashid K. Abu Al-Rub, Hassan Arafat
Article
Polymer Science
Samer Al-Gharabli, Joanna Kujawa, Musthafa O. Mavukkandy, Taofeeqah A. Agbaje, Eyad M. Hamad, Hassan A. Arafat
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2018)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Pelin Yazgan-Birgi, Mohamed I. Hassan Ali, Hassan A. Arafat
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2018)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mahendra Kumar, Nurshaun Sreedhar, Maguy Abi Jaoude, Hassan A. Arafat
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2020)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mahendra Kumar, Moonis Ali Khan, Hassan A. Arafat
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nurshaun Sreedhar, Mahendra Kumar, Samar Al Jitan, Navya Thomas, Giovanni Palmisano, Hassan A. Arafat
Summary: A novel 3D printed photocatalytic feed spacer was developed for membrane-based water and wastewater filtration systems, with the ability to degrade pollutants, clean the membrane, and achieve high flux recovery ratios for organic foulants, demonstrating a shift towards a spacer-centered photocatalytic membrane system approach.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Seunghyun Hong, Jehad K. El-Demellawi, Yongjiu Lei, Zhixiong Liu, Faisal Al Marzooqi, Hassan A. Arafat, Husam N. Alshareef
Summary: Extracting osmotic energy through nanoporous membranes is an efficient way to harvest renewable and sustainable energy using the salinity gradient between seawater and river water. A lamellar-structured membrane made of nanoporous Ti3C2Tx MXene sheets is reported in this study, showing simultaneous enhancement in permeability and ion selectivity. The constructed internal nanopores lower the energy barrier for ion passage, thereby boosting preferential ion diffusion across the membrane. This membrane design strategy using nanoporous two-dimensional sheets provides a promising approach for ion exchange, osmotic energy extraction, and other nanofluidic applications.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yongjie Liu, Thomas Horseman, Zhangxin Wang, Hassan A. Arafat, Huabing Yin, Shihong Lin, Tao He
Summary: The negative pressure direct contact membrane distillation (NP-DCMD) can effectively reduce mineral scaling and significantly enhance vapor flux by applying negative gauge pressure on the feed stream, achieving prolonged resistance to CaSO4 scaling and up to 62% enhancement in vapor flux.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rawan Abu Alwan, Botagoz Zhuman, Mahendra Kumar, Hassan A. Arafat, Inas AlNashef
Summary: This study synthesized novel mussel-inspired polydopamine nanoparticles functionalized with ionic liquid (PDA-IL) and used them as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of anionic dyes from aqueous solutions. The PDA-IL showed a high adsorption capacity, fast kinetics, excellent selectivity, and high regeneration efficiency. Characterization results confirmed the formation of nano-sized PDA-IL particles with a polycrystalline structure.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fatema Khamis, Hanaa M. Hegab, Fawzi Banat, Hassan A. Arafat, Shadi W. Hasan
Summary: A novel pH-responsive adsorptive membrane was developed by incorporating modified mangrove particles into polylactic acid membranes. The addition of these particles significantly improved the membrane's water permeability and rejection efficiency, making it a promising candidate for wastewater treatment applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Seunghyun Hong, Faisal Al Marzooqi, Jehad K. El-Demellawi, Noora Al Marzooqi, Hassan A. Arafat, Husam N. Alshareef
Summary: Due to the global lack of clean water, it is important to develop new technologies for separating pollutants from raw water. Synthetic polymer membranes have been widely used in liquid separation processes due to their selectivity and conductivity. However, the trade-off between selectivity and permeability remains a challenge. Recently, MXene-based membranes have gained attention for their ion-selective separation properties and applications in water purification. This article reviews recent progress, challenges, and future directions in MXene-based membranes.
ACS MATERIALS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kyung Pyo Hong, Dohyeon Lee, Jae Boong Choi, Yekyung Kim, Hyeongkeun Kim
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2018)
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)