Article
Engineering, Chemical
Nisha Malik, Vijaya Kumar Bulasara, Soumen Basu
Summary: A low-cost ceramic membrane was modified by coating cellulose acetate (CA) to enhance its performance. The porosity of the membrane changed significantly with the variation of polymer concentration and dipping duration. The optimized membrane showed excellent performance in ultrafiltration applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Seyed Ali Naziri Mehrabani, Basak Keskin, Samira Arefi-Oskoui, Ismail Koyuncu, Vahid Vatanpour, Yasin Orooji, Alireza Khataee
Summary: This study reports the use of MAX phase-based material for the modification of cellulose acetate ultrafiltration membrane. The addition of MAX phase improved the hydrophilicity, permeability, dye rejection, and antifouling properties of the membrane. The results suggest that MAX phase is a promising additive for modifying polymeric membrane performance.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yi Wang, Daxue Li, Jian Li, Jun Li, Mao Fan, Mengwei Han, Zequn Liu, Zhanguo Li, Fanxin Kong
Summary: This work fabricated a new type of UiO-66 incorporated polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes, which exhibited enhanced antifouling properties and heavy metal ions removal efficiency. The incorporation of UiO-66 fillers improved the hydrophilicity, porosity, and HA removal ratios of the membranes. The modified membranes also showed excellent antifouling abilities and were highly-effective in removing heavy metal ions.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Xue Shao, Xiaoping Chen, Zhiwei Qiu, Guanglei Yao, Fengxian Qiu, Tao Zhang
Summary: Hierarchical porous magnesium oxide modified cellulose acetate membranes (MgO@CAM) were prepared for efficient tellurium separation in wastewater, showing excellent separation efficiency and antifouling performance. The membranes exhibited good performance in acidic environments and in the presence of multiple coexisting ions, indicating promising applications in water treatment for tellurium separation.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ahmed E. Abdelhamid, A. Labena, Eman S. Mansor, Sh Husien, Reda M. Moghazy
Summary: New composite adsorptive membranes were developed from non-living marine algae and cellulose acetate to remove cadmium and zinc ions from aqueous media with high efficiency. The membranes showed a significant increase in porosity and demonstrated a strong affinity for the target ions. The study also highlighted the suitability of the system for heavy metal removal through the application of 3R processes.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Golshan Moradi, Sirus Zinadini, Masoud Rahimi, Farshad Shiri
Summary: In this study, a new mesoporous material was prepared and characterized, and it was incorporated into a mixed matrix nanofiltration membrane. The results showed that the mesoporous material had a significant influence on the membrane performance and antifouling behavior, and it demonstrated efficient removal of heavy metal ions.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Sri Mulyati, Sri Aprilia, Syawaliah Muchtar, Yanna Syamsuddin, Cut Meurah Rosnelly, Muhammad Roil Bilad, Shafirah Samsuri, Noor Maizura Ismail
Summary: The potential use of tannic acid as an additive for polyvinylidene difluoride membrane was investigated. The results showed that the addition of tannic acid improved the membrane properties, leading to increased water flux and improved fouling resistance.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Junkang Lin, Chenglong Fu, Wenchao Zeng, Dong Wang, Fang Huang, Shan Lin, Shilin Cao, Lihui Chen, Yonghao Ni, Liulian Huang
Summary: This study developed a simple strategy to fabricate cellulose acetate ultrafiltration membranes by adding methyl acetate (MAC) to N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), aiming to improve their performance. The results showed that adjusting the DMAc to MAC ratio could regulate the pore morphologies of the membrane. Under optimal conditions, the pure water flux reached 188.0 L/m2h, with a BSA rejection ratio 20% higher than the control. Moreover, the anti-fouling and long-term stability of the ultrafiltration membranes were significantly improved.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Fangfang Zhang, Huiju Shao, Yanfang Diao, Kang Li, Wei Gao, Shuhao Qin
Summary: A novel nanocomposite membrane with a dual-charged electrically conductive separation layer was fabricated, exhibiting excellent heavy metal ion removal and antifouling properties through manipulation of microstructure and deposition layers.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nurafiqah Rosman, Wan Norharyati Wan Salleh, Juhana Jaafar, Zawati Harun, Farhana Aziz, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail
Summary: This study explores the potential of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with visible light-responsive photocatalysts for simultaneous separation and degradation of contaminants. The results show that PVDF-ZnO/Ag2CO3/Ag2O MMMs exhibit higher photocatalytic filtration activity under visible light irradiation, and can be effectively reused.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yirong Zhang, Fen Wang, Yixiang Wang
Summary: This study utilized waste materials to fabricate electrospun fibrous adsorbents for the removal of humic acid from aqueous solutions, demonstrating high adsorption capacities for all samples. The CA/CS 1:1 sample exhibited the best fibrous morphology and adsorption performance among the tested ratios.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Basak Keskin, Seyed Ali Naziri Mehrabani, Samira Arefi-Oskoui, Vahid Vatanpour, Oguz Orhun Teber, Alireza Khataee, Yasin Orooji, Ismail Koyuncu
Summary: This study investigates the performance improvement of cellulose acetate (CA) membranes using Ti2AlN MAX phase as an inorganic additive. The results demonstrate the high potential of MAX phase-based materials in enhancing the performance of polymeric membranes.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Krishanu Bhowmick, Sanjukta Roy, Subhamoy Bhowmick, Rachna Jain, Swachchha Majumdar, Ganesh C. Sahoo, Priyanka Mondal
Summary: In this study, positively charged ceramic-supported polymeric membranes were fabricated and characterized for their structure and performance. The membranes showed good water permeability, high rejection rates for salts and heavy metals, as well as excellent anti-fouling and antibiofouling properties. They have potential applications in wastewater treatment.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhaofeng Wang, Panyi Chen, Yang Liu, Hanxiang Guo, Nan Sun, Qiqi Cai, Yueying Yu, Fangbo Zhao
Summary: A new aromatic diamine monomer BANPZ was designed and synthesized, leading to the preparation of a novel zwitterionic polyimide ZPI. ZPI membrane exhibited persistent antifouling property and excellent long-term performance stability.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gourav Mishra, Mausumi Mukhopadhyay
Summary: By incorporating cerium oxide loaded halloysite nanofiller, the PVC ultrafiltration membranes were successfully enhanced in terms of hydrophilicity, water flux, and bacteria inhibition. The addition of 2% CeO2@HNTs significantly improved membrane performance and enhanced rejection of humic acid.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sergio Santoro, Marco Aquino, Carlo Rizza, Jessica Occhiuzzi, Dario Mastrippolito, Gianluca D'Olimpio, Ahmet H. Avci, Jessica De Santis, Valentina Paolucci, Luca Ottaviano, Luca Lozzi, Avner Ronen, Maya Bar-Sadan, Dong Suk Han, Antonio Politano, Efrem Curcio
Summary: We have developed a new technology using excitons-based light-to-heat conversion promoted by WS2 nanofillers for sunlight-driven photothermal membrane crystallization, to extract lithium from Li-rich brines. This green and economical nanotechnology platform enhances water evaporation and triggers the crystallization of LiCl salt. These findings provide new opportunities for the large-scale, efficient, and sustainable recovery of lithium and other critical raw materials for clean energy transition.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vu T. Luong, Edgardo E. Canas Kurz, Ulrich Hellriegel, Duc N. Dinh, Hang T. Tran, Alberto Figoli, Bartolo Gabriele, Tran L. Luu, Jan Hoinkis
Summary: This study developed and tested a modular desalination system combining membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) with low-pressure reverse osmosis (LPRO). The system was evaluated and compared with conventional seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) at different salinities. The pilot tests conducted in the Can Gio region of South Vietnam showed that the system achieved drinking water quality with low energy consumption. The study also investigated fouling mitigation methods for the ultrafiltration pre-treatment.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Wenzhong Ma, Zhuang Zhou, Norafiqah Ismail, Elena Tocci, Alberto Figoli, Mohamed Khayet, Takeshi Matsuura, Zhaoliang Cui, Naser Tavajohi
Summary: Thermally-induced phase separation (TIPS) is a popular method for membrane preparation. This review critically evaluates the literature on TIPS and provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art. It discusses the basic principles of TIPS, materials used, parameters affecting the outcome, mass transfer, modeling techniques, current and potential applications, and future developments and prospects for the TIPS process.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Marco Aquino, Sergio Santoro, Gianluca Di Profio, Mauro Francesco La Russa, Carlo Limonti, Salvatore Straface, Giuseppe D'Andrea, Efrem Curcio, Alessio Siciliano
Summary: This study assesses the potential of Direct Contact Membrane Distillation (DCMD) for separating nutrients and recovering water from the liquid phase of digestate. The results show that DCMD can effectively separate water vapor and address the issues of high salinity and soluble ammoniacal nitrogen in digestate, making it possible for digestate to be reused.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Amjad Albiladi, Lassaad Gzara, Hussam Organji, Nazeeha S. Alkayal, Alberto Figoli
Summary: The major challenge in membrane distillation (MD) is membrane wetting caused by pollutants. This study focused on fabricating hydrophobic membranes for brine treatment using electrospun PVDF-HFP nanofiber membranes. The effects of solvent composition and polymer concentration on the electrospinning process were investigated, and post-treatment was carried out to optimize membrane performance.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rania E. Morsi, Franco Corticelli, Vittorio Morandi, Denis Gentili, Massimiliano Cavallini, Alberto Figoli, Francesca Russo, Francesco Galiano, Annalisa Aluigi, Barbara Ventura
Summary: In membrane-based water purification technology, the preparation conditions greatly affect the pore size distribution and dye removal efficiency of cellulose acetate membranes. Different fabrication methods and conditions, such as film casting speed, casted solution thickness, coagulation bath usage, and surfactant addition, significantly influence the membranes' pore size, porosity, and water permeability. The study also found that Azure A had better chemical affinity for cellulose acetate and was removed more efficiently, and both Azure A and Methyl Orange dye uptake followed a pseudo-second order model indicating chemisorption through valency forces.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giacomo Trapasso, Francesca Russo, Francesco Galiano, Con Rob McElroy, James Sherwood, Alberto Figoli, Fabio Arico
Summary: Membrane processes are widely used in various industrial applications such as separation of mixtures, hydrogen isolation, CO2 removal, and wastewater treatment. In this study, organic carbonates were used as green media for membrane preparation. Theoretical thermodynamic studies were conducted to predict the solubilities of different polymers commonly used for membrane preparation in dialkyl carbonates (DACs). Results showed that membranes prepared with custom-made DACs exhibited better structural resistances and smaller pore sizes compared to those using commercially available cyclic organic carbonates. These findings highlight the versatility of DACs as green solvents.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zineb Khebli, Ferhat Bouzerara, Nourddine Brihi, Alberto Figoli, Francesca Russo, Francesco Galiano, Sadek Chahredine
Summary: Multilayer ceramic membranes prepared from ceramic materials were used for bacteria removal by filtration. The membranes consisted of a macro-porous carrier, an intermediate layer, and a thin separation layer. Different methods and materials were used in the preparation of tubular and disc supports. The membranes showed good permeability and efficiency in removing bacteria.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lakshika Weerasundara, Bartolo Gabriele, Alberto Figoli, Jochen Bundschuh
Summary: Most arsenic (As) removal methods remove other ions in water, especially important anions for water quality. The efficiency of selective removal depends on competitive ions, their concentrations, removal capacity, and water quality parameters. To reduce waste and energy use in water treatment, it is necessary to selectively remove As and easily separate adsorbent materials and produced water. Regeneration and re-use capability are key characteristics for sustainable selective As removal. Increasing the re-use capacity can significantly reduce waste generation and energy use.
CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Rachid Ouchn, Youssef Chaouqi, Rkia Louafy, Ahmet Halil Avci, Efrem Curcio, Sergio Santoro, Omar Cherkaoui, Miloudi Hlaibi
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility of using polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) in the desalination industry. The researchers embedded methyltrioctylammonium oleate (MTOAO) in a blend of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polysulfone (PSU) using the NIPS method. They found that adding 33% of MTOAO significantly increased the porosity and hydrophobic character of the PVDF/PSU membrane. In membrane distillation experiments, the PVDF/PSU membrane doped with 33% of MTOAO achieved a high flux and salt rejection rate, demonstrating long-term stable performance.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND PROCESSING-PROCESS INTENSIFICATION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sergio Santoro, Marco Aquino, Carlo Rizza, Anna Cupolillo, Danil W. Boukhvalov, Gianluca D'Olimpio, Shir Abramovich, Amit Agarwal, Maya Bar Sadan, Antonio Politano, Efrem Curcio
Summary: Recently, the utilization of nanoscale photothermal effects in nanocomposite membranes made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) loaded with NiSe or CoSe nanoparticles has been explored to achieve the crystallization of dissolved salts in brines. Through sunlight irradiation, the plasmonic NiSe and CoSe nanoparticles in the membranes can increase the vaporization of water from brine, leading to supersaturation conditions and subsequent heterogeneous nucleation and crystallization of dissolved salts.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
F. Russo, S. Santoro, F. Galiano, C. Ursino, E. Avruscio, E. Di Nicolo, G. Desiderio, G. Lombardo, A. Criscuoli, A. Figoli
Summary: A new non-invasive method utilizing a temperature-sensitive phosphorescent molecular probe and an infrared camera was proposed to evaluate the thermal polarization in hollow fiber membranes during the DCMD process. The temperature profile on the membrane surface was monitored in real time, providing insights into the thermal polarization phenomenon and strategies for its mitigation and counteraction.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Md Eman Talukder, Fariya Alam, Md. Romon Talukder, Mst. Monira Rahman Mishu, Md. Nahid Pervez, Hongchen Song, Francesca Russo, Francesco Galiaono, Lan Jiabao, George K. Stylios, Alberto Figoli, Vincenzo Naddeo
Summary: This paper aims to develop a sustainable membrane with antifouling properties by creating a honeycomb-like surface using a blending method and a thermally induced phase inversion method. The membrane's properties were dependent on the blending ratio of PES, PEI, and PVP, and were characterized through various tests. The optimized membrane demonstrated superior filtration performance and separation capability compared to a commercial membrane, making it suitable for potential applications involving macromolecules.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giovanna Vasco, Valentina Arima, Soufiane Boudjelida, Mauro Carraro, Monica Bianco, Alessandra Zizzari, Elisabetta Perrone, Francesco Galiano, Alberto Figoli, Maura Cesaria
Summary: This study investigates the performance of polyaniline-capped aluminosilicate nanotubes doped polyether sulfone membranes, which show higher water permeance. Non-destructive imaging techniques are used to successfully detect and count the distribution of nanotubes embedded in the polymer matrix.
