Article
Engineering, Chemical
Weilin Zhang, Gen-Liang Ji, Jianqiang Wang, Yingyao He, Li Liu, Fu Liu
Summary: In this study, a facile and effective method for enhancing the hydrophilicity and antifouling performance of polyamide nanofiltration membranes was developed by introducing a crosslinking network derived from epoxy and polyethylene glycol. The modified membranes showed decreased water contact angle, as well as lower flux decline ratio and higher flux recovery ratio, indicating excellent long-term antifouling properties.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiahui Hu, Sushil Kumar, Rifan Hardian, Cong Yang, Gyorgy Szekely
Summary: In this study, polyamide and polyester thin-film composites (TFCs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) were fabricated as selective layers on a polyimide aerogel support for organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) membranes. The polyimide aerogel support exhibited high stability and porosity, enabling high solvent flux. Both the experimental and predicted molecular weight cutoff (MWCO) values were obtained for the COFs and polyester TFC membranes. The operating temperature had minimal effect on the OSN performance.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Taghreed Abdulhameed Al-Gunaid, Igor Krupa, Mabrouk Ouederni, Senthil Kumar Krishnamoorthy, Anton Popelka
Summary: Plasma-assisted grafting of different molecular weight PEG compounds onto the LDPE surface improved adhesion between LDPE and Al, significantly enhancing wettability. Surface modifications were confirmed through XPS and FTIR, while adhesion characteristics were analyzed using peel tests, showing a significant increase in peel resistance with PEG solution.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Micah Belle Marie Yap Ang, Jazmine Aiya D. Marquez, Chun-Cheng Lin, Hong-Li Yang, You-Syuan Wang, Shu-Hsien Huang, Hui-An Tsai, Kueir-Rarn Lee
Summary: Modification of the TFC polyamide tubular membrane using GA and PEG improves its antifouling property and stability.
JOURNAL OF THE TAIWAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yvonne Thiermeyer, Stefanie Blumenschein, Mirko Skiborowski
Summary: The study provides insights into the solvent-dependent rejection phenomena and the impact of solvent-membrane interactions on transport phenomena in organic solvent nanofiltration. By conducting comprehensive experimental investigations on polyimide membranes, solutes, and solvents, the results contribute to a better understanding of mass transfer through OSN membranes.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tian-Dan Lu, Liu-Lin Zhao, Wai Fen Yong, Qian Wang, Lei Duan, Shi-Peng Sun
Summary: The study introduces a novel strategy of fabricating an insoluble polyimide nanofibrous substrate through sequential electrospinning polyamic acid followed by thermal imidization, resulting in thin-film nanofibrous composite (TFNC) membranes with high permeability, rejection, and stability in water and polar aprotic solvents.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhaoyong Ye, Ying Zhang, Li-an Hou, Menglu Zhang, Yuzhang Zhu, Yu Yang
Summary: In this study, a novel modified nanofiltration (NF) membrane was fabricated by incorporating Prussian blue (PB), graphene oxide (GO), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) into a polysulfone (PSf) substrate. The modified membrane showed efficient rejection of cesium (Cs+) and strontium (Sr2+) contaminants, even in the presence of inorganic salts and organic matters. It exhibited excellent stability and regeneration capability, making it a promising candidate for simultaneous removal of Cs+ and Sr2+ from contaminated water.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Le Liu, Dali Liu, Rui Sun, Donglei Zhou, Yanjie Wu, Xinmeng Zhuang, Shuainan Liu, Wenbo Bi, Nan Wang, Lu Zi, Boxue Zhang, Zhichong Shi, Hongwei Song
Summary: The research developed a defect passivation method using an N-type semiconductor AgBiS2 as a modified layer and a solvent annealing treatment with DMSO mixed PEG, which successfully improved the charge transport characteristic and grain size of PSCs, leading to an increase in PCE and stability.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xiaofan Luo, Zhenggong Wang, Shanshan Wu, Wangxi Fang, Jian Jin
Summary: This study successfully prepared a new generation of OSN membranes through metal ion cross-linking, which exhibit excellent stability in various organic solvents and high rejection rates to dyes. Compared to traditional chemical cross-linkers, metal ion cross-linking does not significantly reduce membrane permeability, and also improves membrane compaction resistance.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Keita Kashima, Tatsuro Inage, Yuko Yamaguchi, Masanao Imai
Summary: Environmentally friendly polymer membranes for dye contamination removal were prepared from edible calcium alginate. The addition of oligoethylene glycol (OEG) or polyethylene glycol (PEG) to the casting polymer solution and subsequent removal of the OEG or PEG from the membranes through a washing process improved water permeability and tailored the mass transfer channels, resulting in membranes suitable for various membrane separation processes. These modified membranes exhibited increased water permeability and maintained molecular separation performance, making them suitable for applications in nanofiltration and ultrafiltration processes for wastewater treatment.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hugo Giraldo-Mejia, Yurieth M. Quintero, Francisca Mery, Fernando Rodriguez, Efrem Curcio, Humberto Estay, Andreina Garcia
Summary: In this study, commercially available polymeric membranes were modified using RF-plasma/absorption-grafting treatments to enhance hydrophobicity and performance in membrane distillation. The modified membranes exhibited stable salt rejection and higher permeate flux yields, indicating their potential for practical applications.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Abdul Waheed, Umair Baig
Summary: Organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) membranes have recently emerged for the recovery of precious organic solvents from waste streams or active principle ingredients (API) synthesized in pharmaceutical companies. A thin film composite (TFC) membrane was fabricated using a rapid membrane fabrication technique, and its performance was characterized using various testing methods. The membrane showed promising results for the purification of organic solvents.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Eric Ziemann, Arindam Kumar Das, Paramita Manna, Revital Sharon-Gojman, Michal Sela-Adler, Charles Linder, Roni Kasher, Roy Bernstein
Summary: This study presents a facile method to fabricate crosslinked polyethersulfone membranes with remarkable stability in organic solvents. The performance of the membranes can be easily adjusted by controlling the polymer fraction. The weeklong filtration experiment highlights the excellent stability of the membranes.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Peng Li, Hongxue Xie, Yanfei Bi, Congcong Miao, Kuo Chen, Tengteng Xie, Shengchao Zhao, Haixiang Sun, Xiujie Yang, Yingfei Hou, Jason Niu
Summary: This experiment used cross-linked polyimide (PI) as raw material and Noria as a nanoparticle additive to prepare a composite ultrafiltration membrane through non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS). The nanofiltration membrane was then prepared by interfacial polymerization method. The results showed that the composite membranes had significantly enhanced hydrophilicity, improved pure water and methanol flux, and high dye retention rate, indicating excellent nanofiltration performance suitable for application in organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN).
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hukang Guo, Chuanjie Fang, Fupeng Li, Wenshou Cui, Ruiyan Xiong, Xing Yang, Liping Zhu
Summary: A covalent organic polymer nanofilm was synthesized with tailor-made thickness and pore structure for precise molecular sieving, which exhibited significant application in organic solvent nanofiltration.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jie Gao, Kwee Hiang Jackson Low, Yang Chen, E. Shyong Tai, Tai-Shung Chung, Chester Lee Drum
Summary: This study presents a novel approach using electrospun polyacrylonitrile membranes to separate red blood cells in blood and collect and stabilize plasma biomarkers while retaining human serum albumin. The physicochemical properties of the separation membranes can be further optimized for potential applications in microvolume sample collection.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jie Gao, Tai-Shung Chung
Summary: In this study, a novel membrane was developed for decellularization of blood in the dried plasma spot system. The membrane effectively removed red blood cells and allowed plasma permeation, with almost no retention of targeted amino acids.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Wenxiao Gai, Yu Zhang, Qipeng Zhao, Tai-Shung Chung
Summary: A novel strategy combining amino functionalized carbon quantum dots and hypochlorite treatment has been demonstrated to significantly improve the separation performance of thin film composite hollow fiber membranes for brackish water reverse osmosis desalination, leading to increased water permeability and enhanced salt rejection.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yingnan Feng, Martin Weber, Christian Maletzko, Tai-Shung Chung
Summary: Structural delamination across the hollow fiber wall is a major challenge in the fabrication of dual-layer hollow fiber membranes. The bore fluid composition has the most profound impact on fiber delamination. Carefully designed spinning conditions can mitigate the occurrence of delamination and result in membranes with improved water filtration permeance.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ji Wu, Can Zeng Liang, Ali Naderi, Tai-Shung Chung
Summary: This study introduces a novel nanocomposite membrane design using soluble organic macrocyclic cavitands, which addresses the issue of discrete nanofiller phases in molecular-sieving membranes and achieves excellent molecular-seiving performance. These membranes exhibit outstanding high-temperature mixed-gas H-2/CO2 separation capabilities, making them highly promising for various energy-intensive molecular separations.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ji Wu, Tai-Shung Chung
Summary: By utilizing 4-sulfocalix[4]arene (SCA4) molecules, this unconventional nanocomposite membrane design can effectively separate CO2 from H2, demonstrating significantly enhanced H2/CO2 separation efficiency, mechanical properties, and long-term stability under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. These membranes also possess a single-phase composite structure that surpasses conventional phase-segregated mixed-matrix membranes in processability, providing a versatile toolbox for designing advanced molecular-sieving membranes with optimal performance, robust properties, and scalability.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Weikun Paul Li, Aung Thet Paing, Chin Ann Chow, Marn Soon Qua, Karikalan Mottaiyan, Kangjia Lu, Adil Dhalla, Tai-Shung Chung, Chakravarthy Gudipati
Summary: The novel tri-bore polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) hollow fiber membranes were successfully scaled-up for industrial production and optimized for large-scale processes. After assembly into different length modules, the membranes showed high permeate flux and salt rejection rates in membrane distillation applications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marn Soon Qua, Yan Zhao, Junyou Zhang, Sebastian Hernandez, Aung Thet Paing, Karikalan Mottaiyan, Jian Zuo, Adil Dhalla, Tai-Shung Chung, Chakravarthy Gudipati
Summary: Hollow fiber membranes made from PVDF polymer with a unique structure have been developed, which exhibit good mechanical strength and water vapor transportation. Through technology translation, the manufacturing scale of the membranes has been successfully increased, making them suitable for high-efficiency desalination and industrial wastewater applications.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bofan Li, Sheng Wang, Xian Jun Loh, Zibiao Li, Tai-Shung Chung
Summary: In the state-of-the-art membrane industry, sustainable and closed-loop recyclable membranes have been innovated using covalent adaptable networks (CANs) with thermally reversible Diels-Alder (DA) adducts. These membranes exhibit excellent mechanical properties, thermal and chemical stabilities, and separation performance comparable to or even higher than nonrecyclable membranes. The used membranes can be depolymerized to remove contaminants and refabricated into new membranes, filling in the gaps in closed-loop recycling and promoting the advancement of sustainable membranes for a green membrane industry.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
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
Engineering, Environmental
Liang Ying Ee, Qipeng Zhao, Jie Gao, Chit Kai Lim, Kai Xue, Sze Yuet Chin, Sam Fong Yau Li, Tai-Shung Chung, Shing Bor Chen
Summary: In this study, facile intercalation and functionalization of β-cyclodextrin onto layered double hydroxides have resulted in the formation of accessible hydroxyl functional groups and anions that exhibit strong sorption and host-guest interaction with boron. The modified LDH was employed to fabricate a polyamide-based thin-film nanocomposite membrane with high salt rejection and water permeance for brackish water, achieving a high boron rejection rate as well. This pioneering study provides valuable insights into the design of brackish water reverse osmosis membranes using macrocyclic molecules and inorganic layered nanomaterials.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qianqian Zeng, Die Ling Zhao, Liguo Shen, Hongjun Lin, Ning Kong, Lei Han, Cheng Chen, Jiaheng Teng, Chuyang Tang, Tai-Shung Chung
Summary: This study inserted titanium oxide nanotubes into the interlayer space of 2D MXene-based membranes to prepare PMT membranes with excellent performance. The PMT membrane has outstanding hydrophilicity, high retention rates, and ultra-high permeability. It also exhibits excellent antifouling and self-cleaning properties. The incorporation of TiONT increased the interaction energy between the membrane and pollutants, thereby improving its antifouling performance. This novel 2D membrane shows great promise for large-scale continuous separations of oil/water emulsions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fan Feng, Ji Wu, Can Zeng Liang, Martin Weber, Sui Zhang, Tai-Shung Chung
Summary: In this work, scalable polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) and polybenzimidazole (PBI) polymers were blended to create an enhanced polymer matrix that utilized the permeability and mechanical flexibility of PPSU and the selectivity and thermal stability of PBI. Calix[6]arene (CA6) was incorporated into the blend matrix to further enhance the H2/CO2 selectivity. The nanocomposite blend membrane achieved a significantly higher H2/CO2 selectivity with minimal permeability loss, surpassing the Robeson upper bound. This work presents exciting possibilities for designing molecularly mixed composite membranes (MMCMs) with better scalability compared to conventional mixed-matrix designs.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Baiwang Zhao, Jun Wen Wong, Can Zeng Liang, Ji Wu, Tai-Shung Chung, Sui Zhang
Summary: Researchers developed an inner-selective polyethersulfone-polydimethylsiloxane (PES-PDMS) thin-film composite (TFC) hollow fiber membrane for CO2/N2 separation. The membrane exhibited high CO2 permeance and CO2/N2 selectivity, making it a promising candidate for post-combustion CO2 capture.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Kai Yu Wang, Martin Weber, Tai-Shung Chung
Summary: PBI has been explored for fabricating HFMs for liquid and gas separations due to its chemical resistance and stability, enhancing separation performance. State-of-the-art technologies can fabricate macrovoid-free PBI HFMs, and chemically modified PBI membranes, PBI blended membranes, and PBI composite membranes can improve performance.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
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)