Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lan-Qian Li, Yong-Jian Tang, Zhen-Liang Xu
Summary: This study presents a new approach for preparing high-performance NF membrane with good chemical stability using ultra-low concentration monomers. The newly prepared membrane showed comparable surface smoothness, pore size distribution, and desalination performance to lab-made and commercial PIP-TMC membranes.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xin Zhang, Junfeng Zheng, Pengrui Jin, Daliang Xu, Shushan Yuan, Rui Zhao, Stef Depuydt, Yujie Gao, Zhen-Liang Xu, Bart Van der Bruggen
Summary: This study designed a positively charged THPC/PEI-TMC NF membrane by incorporating THPC biocide on the surface of PEI-TMC membranes, significantly improving the membrane's performance. The modified membrane showed higher pure water permeability and maintained a high level of ion rejections. Additionally, the incorporation of THPC also provided good antibacterial properties to protect the membrane from microbial growth.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qiu-Yu Zhu, Zi-Yun Xu, Jie-Han Fu, Jie Huang, Zhen-Liang Xu, Min Tong, En-Chao Li, Yong-Jian Tang
Summary: Currently, it is a challenge to prepare nanofiltration membranes with excellent separation performance for both anionic and cationic ions. In this study, a series of nanofiltration membranes were developed using conventional interfacial polymerization, with varying ratios of trimesoyl chloride (TMC) and piperazine (PIP) concentrations. The optimized membrane exhibited high rejection rates for bivalent ions and significantly improved selectivity for Mg2+/Li+ mixed solution. This work provides a novel approach for the development of nanofiltration membranes capable of effectively separating mono-/divalent ions.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sachin Karki, Pravin G. Ingole
Summary: The vapor phase interfacial polymerization method was used to develop thin-film nanocomposite and thin-film composite membranes. TiO2 nanoparticles were incorporated to tackle heavy metal pollution, and functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles were used to enhance interaction with the matrix phase. The TFN membranes showed high rejection rates for different ions and improved antifouling properties.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaoxiang Cheng, Cunxian Lai, Jinyu Li, Weiwei Zhou, Xuewu Zhu, Zihui Wang, Junwen Ding, Xinyu Zhang, Daoji Wu, Heng Liang, Congcong Zhao
Summary: Controlling the temperature during interfacial polymerization is crucial for regulating the structure and performance of thin-film composite nanofiltration membranes, leading to efficient wastewater treatment and seawater desalination. NF membranes prepared at low temperatures exhibit excellent fouling resistance, while those at high temperatures demonstrate higher salt rejection capabilities.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Pengfei Li, Hongling Lan, Kuo Chen, Xiupeng Ma, Bingxin Wei, Ming Wang, Peng Li, Yingfei Hou, Q. Jason Niu
Summary: The novel positively charged aliphatic polyamide NF membrane (PEI-BTC) developed in this study shows superior physicochemical properties, higher rejection rate for MgCl2, and excellent heavy metal removal efficiency, indicating its potential for industrial applications in water softening and heavy metal removal.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Zahra Samavati, Alireza Samavati, Pei Sean Goh, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, Mohd Sohaimi Abdullah
Summary: Despite advancements in technology, wastewater treatment remains a global challenge due to the presence of heavy metal ions. The nanofiltration (NF) membrane has emerged as an efficient and cost-effective method for removing heavy metals from wastewater. This review focuses on the modification processes and performances of NF membranes for heavy metal remediation. The use of interfacial polymerization, grafting techniques, and nanofiller addition has proven to be effective in tailoring the properties of NF membranes. The study highlights the roles and benefits of innovative membranes and suggests further research on the application of polyhydroxy phenols compounds to enhance permeability and capture rate of heavy metal ions.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhongbao Ma, Long-Fei Ren, Diwen Ying, Jinping Jia, Jiahui Shao
Summary: In this study, a sustainable electrospray polymerization (SEP) technique was used to prepare thin-film composite polyamide (TFC-PA) nanofiltration membranes. The SEP method featured no toxic solvent, near-complete monomer conversion, and zero waste liquid discharge. Membranes with different surface charges and pore sizes could be tailored by varying the monomer concentration. The optimal membrane exhibited excellent removal efficiency of toxic heavy metal ions.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhe Zhai, Xiao Wang, Yan Huang, Hao Yang, Yuchao Zhao
Summary: In this study, a surfactant-plasticizer-synergy (SPS) assisted fabrication strategy is proposed to create a high-performance polyethyleneimine (PEI) based nanofiltration (NF) membrane. The addition of surfactant SDS and plasticizer ATBC promotes the diffusion of PEI monomer, creating a positively charged membrane surface that improves the rejection of positive ions. Additionally, the plasticizer ATBC softens the polyamide film, enhancing flexibility and water transport. Compared to the original PEI-TPC membrane, the SPS-assisted membrane shows significantly higher permeance and rejection rates for various heavy metal ions. This strategy offers a simple and cost-effective approach for the fabrication of high-performance thin-film composite (TFC) membranes.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yu Fang, Cheng-Ye Zhu, Hao-Cheng Yang, Chao Zhang, Zhi-Kang Xu
Summary: This study demonstrates the advantages of vacuum-assisted interfacial polymerization (VAIP) in fabricating polyimide nanofiltration membranes. By using vacuum filtration, aqueous solutions of PIP can be evenly distributed on different microfiltration substrates, leading to the fabrication of uniform and ultra-thin polyamide layers with excellent performance. The membranes exhibit high rejection rates and water permeance, as well as satisfactory long-term stability.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yeyuan Feng, Xiaorong Meng, Zhenpeng Wu, Jin Chen, Chi Sun, Shanshan Huo
Summary: Positively charged nanofiltration membranes have shown great prospects in removing heavy metal pollution due to their electrostatic repulsion and size sieving effects. In this study, molybdenum disulfide nanosheets were dispersed in polyethyleneimine solution using tannic acid. Positively charged polyurea NF membranes were successfully prepared and exhibited better hydrophilicity and high rejection for high-valent heavy metal ions. The membrane showed long-term stable operation and excellent anti-pollution properties, making it suitable for applications in inorganic salt separation and heavy metal pollution.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Hongrui Xiang, Xiaobo Min, Chong-Jian Tang, Mika Sillanpaa, Feiping Zhao
Summary: This review introduces the advantages of membrane separation method for heavy metal removal and summarizes the latest developments and applications of ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, and electrodialysis. The results indicate that membrane filtration methods have great potential for heavy metal removal.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yue Zong, Ruijun Zhang, Shanshan Gao, Hailin Chang, Bart Van der Bruggen, Jiayu Tian
Summary: An anti-drying NF membrane was successfully constructed on a PTFE MF substrate using a novel 3/2-IP interfacial polymerization strategy, resulting in the production of a defect-free polyamide film with nano-wrinkled structure. This membrane exhibits desiccation tolerance and desirable separation performance.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qunshan Yao, Shuxuan Li, Ruirui Zhang, Lihui Han, Baowei Su
Summary: A novel organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) membrane was engineered with high separation and solvent permeation performances due to a ultrathin film obtained in the interfacial polymerization reaction, using ultra-low concentration monomers. The optimized OSN membrane achieved a rejection of 98.36% for Rose Bengal and a DMF permeance of 150.05 L/m²h, showing high resistance to strong polar solvents.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shenyi Tang, Yaoyao Jiao, Feng Yan, Qingqing Qin, Shuhao Qin, Xiaohua Ma, Jianxin Li, Zhenyu Cui
Summary: A positively charged hollow fiber nanofiltration (NF) membrane with a bridging network structure was prepared using the polymer-anchored co-deposition method. The membrane showed excellent removal efficiency of high-concentration heavy metal ions while maintaining high pure water permeance. The underlying mechanism of heavy metal ion removal and the membrane's acid/base resistance, anti-fouling capacity, and long-term stability were also explained.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wenyu Wu, Mengjie Liu, Yu Gu, Bin Guo, HuaXin Ma, Ping Wang, Xiaoyu Wang, Ruijun Zhang
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Rui-jun Zhang, Ai-qun Li
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Ruijun Zhang, Aiqun Li
Summary: This study investigates the distribution characteristics of the horizontal stiffness of rubber bearings and its influence on the seismic performance of isolation structures. An optimization method to reduce the variation of bearing stiffness is proposed, and statistical analysis and probability distribution tests are conducted based on the equivalent shear stiffness samples of 224 rubber bearings. The results show that the stiffness follows the I-type minimum-value distribution. The study concludes that the probability distribution form of the rubber bearings stiffness has a certain influence on the adjustment coefficient of the isolation structure, but the damping effect of the structure still has sufficient safety reserve.
JOURNAL OF EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Gang Xu, Ruijun Zhang, Aiqun Li
Summary: The quasi-static tests on precast sandwich wall structures with friction devices showed that the structures remained elastic and well-protected. Finite element analysis demonstrated that increasing the frictional force could enhance energy dissipation and lateral load resistance, but also led to larger residual displacements. Additionally, self-centering capability could be improved by increasing posttensioning force.
JOURNAL OF SANDWICH STRUCTURES & MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ruijun Zhang, Parham A. Mirzaei
Summary: CFD technique is known for its ability to model cross-ventilation and is often coupled with energy simulation programs for building energy calculation. A high-resolution CFD microclimate model requires a large number of cells to capture environment complexity, making the coupling process with other tools challenging. The proposed CFDf-CFDc-BES coupling method is significantly faster and more stable than traditional methods, achieving quicker convergence.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bing Zhang, Ruijun Zhang, Dongmei Huang, Yu Shen, Xu Gao, Wenxin Shi
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2020)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Lele Huang, Chen Wang, Wanting Wang, Yujie Wang, Ruijun Zhang
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on peripapillar nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thinning in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, finding a specific pattern of thinning with the inferotemporal sector being most affected and the nasal quadrant being least affected.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiaojing Liu, Wenyu Wu, Bin Guo, Minghao Cui, Huaxin Ma, Zhao Zhang, Ruijun Zhang
Summary: A graphene film with excellent electrical conductivity and EMI shielding performance was fabricated through a simple and inexpensive method, achieving a high EMI SE in a thin thickness, making it a promising alternative building block for electronic devices.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Lele Huang, Dan Zhang, Jianling Ji, Yujie Wang, Ruijun Zhang
Summary: The central retina thickness, the combination of ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer thickness, and nerve fiber layer thickness were significantly decreased in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, there was no significant difference in the thickness of the inner nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, and outer nuclear layer between the eyes of PD patients and controls. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression results were consistent with the main findings.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ruijun Zhang, Yangyu Gan, Parham A. Mirzaei
ADVANCES IN BUILDING ENERGY RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhengyang Gu, Shuili Yu, Junyong Zhu, Ping Li, Xuerui Gao, Ruijun Zhang
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ping Wang, Bin Guo, Huaxin Ma, Wenyu Wu, Zhao Zhang, Xiaojing Liu, Minghao Cui, Ruijun Zhang
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Chen Chen, Ruijun Zhang, Qing Zhang, Lixin Liu
MECHANICS & INDUSTRY
(2020)
Article
Acoustics
Qing Zhang, Tao Hou, Rui-Jun Zhang, Jie Liu
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACOUSTICS AND VIBRATION
(2020)
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.