Article
Engineering, Chemical
Maarten Bastin, Jasper Raymenants, Marloes Thijs, Anja Vananroye, Guy Koeckelberghs, Ivo F. J. Vankelecom
Summary: A novel synthesis method of partially crosslinking a polymer solution has been developed for the preparation of solvent-tolerant nanofiltration membranes, which have intermediate polarity, excellent stability, and permeability, making them particularly suitable for the treatment of solvent/water mixtures.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yuhui Cui, Guozhen Li, Hanzhu Wu, Siyu Pang, Yan Zhuang, Zhihao Si, Xinmiao Zhang, Peiyong Qin
Summary: By optimizing the concentration of acetone additive, coagulation bath composition and evaporation time, the gas separation performance and application value of the Kapton membrane can be enhanced.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shin-ichi Sawada, Yasunari Maekawa
Summary: A novel type of bipolar membranes (BPMs) was prepared using radiation-induced asymmetric graft polymerization (RIAGP), with a clear CEL/AEL boundary achieved for the first time. However, practical application revealed a thinner CEL compared to AEL, which was addressed by controlling the thicknesses of CEL and AEL through different starting times of the grafting reactions.
Article
Polymer Science
Murali Krishna Paidi, Veerababu Polisetti, Krishnaiah Damarla, Puyam Sobhindro Singh, Subir Kumar Mandal, Paramita Ray
Summary: In this study, mesoporous inorganic biosilica material extracted from the spent biomass of diatom was successfully used in membrane preparation, resulting in a high-performance composite membrane. The diatomite composite membranes exhibited high water permeability, hydrophilicity, and thermal stability, making them suitable for wastewater treatment and water recycling.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chiao-Peng Hsu, Jonas Aretz, Arsenii Hordeichyk, Reinhard Faessler, Andreas R. Bausch
Summary: Integrin adhesion complexes are crucial for cell membrane attachments, and the phase separation process can be enhanced by adding phosphoinositides to lipid membranes.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Natalia Cristina Fontao, Michaela Wilhelm, Kurosch Rezwan
Summary: Asymmetric porous SiOC membranes with different pore characteristics and morphology were successfully produced using the phase inversion tape casting technique. By adjusting the pyrolysis temperature and slurry composition, the structure and surface characteristics of the membrane can be tailored, resulting in improved mechanical strength and water permeation fluxes. The asymmetric structure of the membranes was found to minimize mass transport limitations, showing advantages in water filtration applications.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Xi Chen, Gongping Liu, Wanqin Jin
Summary: Natural gas is an important source of energy and chemical feedstock, and membrane separation technology is an attractive alternative for purification. Asymmetric membranes are essential for industrial manufacture and applications, with various types and fabrication methods used for different kinds of asymmetric membranes in natural gas purification.
GREEN ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lu Wang, Ying Li, Liming Pu, Miao Yang, Hongsheng Lu, Xuehong Gu, Xuerui Wang
Summary: The asymmetric 6FDA-APAF0.5-Cardo0.5 copolyimide membranes with effective thickness of -200 nm showed excellent performance in helium extraction from natural gas. The membranes exhibited high permeance, good selectivity, and resistance to impurities, making them suitable for practical application.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sonia Bouzid Rekik, Sana Gassara, Andre Deratani
Summary: One major challenge in membrane manufacturing is to reduce environmental impact by using biobased materials and limiting toxic solvents. Environmentally friendly chitosan/kaolin composite membranes were developed using phase separation induced by a pH gradient. Addition of PEG as a pore forming agent significantly modified the morphology and properties of the membranes, leading to increased porosity and formation of a finger-like structure with interconnected pores. The hydrophilicity of the membrane surface also increased, resulting in a threefold improvement in filtration properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ayesha Ilyas, Abaynesh Yihdego Gebreyohannes, Jun Qian, Dominiek Reynaerts, Simon Kuhn, Ivo F. J. Vankelecom
Summary: The study investigated the use of spray-modified non-solvent induced phase separation (s-NIPS) to create structured interfaces on membranes to improve clean water permeance and reduce fouling. Experimental results showed that patterned membranes can increase water flux and decrease foulant adhesion, indicating their potential for long-term industrial applications.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qinghai Yu, Jiaming Zhu, Genghao Gong, Liang Yu, Yunxia Hu, Jianxin Li
Summary: Efficient preparation of ultrathin Al2O3 ceramic membranes with desirable porosity and hydrophilicity has been achieved by a casting-phase inversion/sintering approach. These membranes exhibit exceptionally high pure water permeability and stable emulsion flux, as well as high oil rejection against real oilfield produced water. The enhanced interfacial instability during the phase inversion process contributes to reduced surface defects, while cake filtration dominates the fouling mechanism, allowing for high flux recovery by chemical cleaning.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yihua Li, Jiao Jiao, Qidong Wu, Qi Song, Wancen Xie, Baicang Liu
Summary: Graphene oxide (GO) composite membranes have been widely used in membrane modification due to their excellent properties, such as huge specific surface area, good electrical conductivity, good hydrophilicity, and various functional groups. The addition of GO in membranes has been proven to improve water permeability, molecular selectivity, membrane fouling mitigation, and contaminants decomposition. Recently, the development of laminated GO in membranes has achieved both high selectivity and high water permeability, overcoming the limitations of conventional polymeric or inorganic membranes. This review systematically summarizes the applications of GO composite membranes in three highlighted areas of environmental fields: desalination, gas separation, and wastewater treatment, and discusses the challenges faced with GO composite membranes.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jiwang Chen, Ze-Xian Low, Shasha Feng, Zhaoxiang Zhong, Weihong Xing, Huanting Wang
Summary: This article introduces the characteristics and applications of membranes with asymmetric wettability, highlighting their better transport performance and separation efficiency compared to traditional membranes.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Seonghyun Yoon, Eunju Lee, Sang Jun Yoon, Duk Man Yu, Young Jin Kim, Young Taik Hong, Soonyong So
Summary: In vanadium redox flow batteries, geometry-induced asymmetric ion permeation through porous membranes has been demonstrated, with higher vanadium-ion permeability observed when the finger-like top layer faces the vanadium-ion solution. This asymmetric ion selectivity based on membrane direction influenced the performance of VRFBs, showing better performance when the sponge-like bottom layer faces the anolyte side containing more permeable vanadium ions.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hai-Ming Song, Li-Jing Zhu, Gang Wang, Hao Yang, Zhi-Xiang Zeng, Ling-Hui Wang
Summary: PVDF porous membranes prepared by non-solvent induced phase separation exhibit various crystalline forms and micro/nanostructures, showing excellent oil permeation resistance and outstanding antifouling properties.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mostapha Dakhchoune, Luis Francisco Villalobos, Rocio Semino, Lingmei Liu, Mojtaba Rezaei, Pascal Schouwink, Claudia Esther Avalos, Paul Baade, Vanessa Wood, Yu Han, Michele Ceriotti, Kumar Varoon Agrawal
Summary: A new method for synthesizing molecular-sieving zeolitic membranes has been developed, which involves exfoliating single layers of zeolite precursor RUB-15 followed by a condensation reaction to produce thin films with high selectivity for gas separation, especially for precombustion carbon capture.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Luis Francisco Villalobos, Shiqi Huang, Mostapha Dakhchoune, Guangwei He, Wan-Chi Lee, Kumar Varoon Agrawal
Summary: A novel strategy is proposed to fabricate a polymer film with transparent windows to address the issue of residues when observing nanoporous graphene using TEM. The polymer film is transformed into a carbon film with transparent windows, enabling residue-free transfer to the TEM grid without direct contact with the nanopores.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shiqi Huang, Shaoxian Li, Luis Francisco Villalobos, Mostapha Dakhchoune, Marina Micari, Deepu J. Babu, Mohammad Tohidi Vahdat, Mounir Mensi, Emad Oveisi, Kumar Varoon Agrawal
Summary: This study reports a millisecond carbon gasification chemistry that incorporates high density of oxygen clusters, evolving into CO2-sieving vacancy defects under controlled and predictable gasification conditions. A statistical distribution of nanopore lattice isomers is observed, and the technique is scalable.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jamaliah Aburabie, Boor Lalia, Raed Hashaikeh
Summary: This work presents the development of sulfated cellulose (SC) polymer and its potential as an electrolyte-membrane for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). The ion-conductive crosslinked SC membranes showed high methanol resistivity and proton conductivity, addressing a major hurdle in the widespread application of direct alcohol fuel cells. Compared to Nafion membranes, the crosslinked sulfated cellulose films have lower ion conductivity but significantly lower methanol crossover.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mojtaba Rezaei, Luis Francisco Villalobos, Kuang-Jung Hsu, Kumar Varoon Agrawal
Summary: This article reports a method for controlling graphene edges and vacancies, which is desired for various applications. The researchers found that CO2 can effectively control the etching rate without causing vacancy nucleation, showing great potential for practical applications.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Jamaliah Aburabie, Asma Eskhan, Raed Hashaikeh
Summary: This study proposes a simple method to fabricate light-management films made from natural polymers with tunable haze properties. By blending cellulose network and alginate solution, transparent films with customized haze are successfully synthesized. These films are suitable for large-scale production and can meet the requirements of various applications.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Heng-Yu Chi, Cailing Chen, Kangning Zhao, Luis Francisco Villalobos, Pascal Alexander Schouwink, Laura Piveteau, Kenneth Paul Marshall, Qi Liu, Yu Han, Kumar Varoon Agrawal
Summary: Poly(triazine imide) (PTI) is a graphitic carbon nitride with ordered pores at the angstrom scale. Acid treatment can remove ions and create open pore structure. The presence of ion-depleted open pores is directly observed using atomic resolution microscopy for the first time.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wan-Chi Lee, Anshaj Ronghe, Luis Francisco Villalobos, Shiqi Huang, Mostapha Dakhchoune, Mounir Mensi, Kuang-Jung Hsu, K. Ganapathy Ayappa, Kumar Varoon Agrawal
Summary: This study demonstrates that placing angstrom-sized oxygen-functionalized graphene nanopores at the liquid-vapor interface can greatly enhance water evaporation rates. The presence of these nanopores decreases the free energy barrier for water evaporation and increases the rotational and translational dynamics of water molecules, leading to a significant increase in evaporation flux. These findings have potential applications in energy-efficient technologies relying on water evaporation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shiqi Huang, Luis Francisco Villalobos, Shaoxian Li, Mohammad Tohidi Vahdat, Heng-Yu Chi, Kuang-Jung Hsu, Luc Bondaz, Victor Boureau, Nicola Marzari, Kumar Varoon Agrawal
Summary: By introducing epoxidation, pores can be generated in graphene to achieve precise control over porosity, and the gasification process can be manipulated to form pores of different sizes to effectively sieve gas molecules.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shabin Mohammed, Haya Nassrullah, Jamaliah Aburabie, Raed Hashaikeh
Summary: The study proposes modifying membrane supports with nanozeolites prepared by unique ball milling technique to enhance nanofiltration performance. Results showed that optimal membrane performance was achieved with supports modified with 0.1% nanozeolites, demonstrating high water permeance and salt rejection rates.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yunxiang Bai, Beibei Liu, Jiachen Li, Minghui Li, Zheng Yao, Liangliang Dong, Dewei Rao, Peng Zhang, Xingzhong Cao, Luis Francisco Villalobos, Chunfang Zhang, Quan-Fu An, Menachem Elimelech
Summary: The successful implementation of thin-film composite membranes (TFCM) for challenging solute-solute separations in the pharmaceutical industry requires fine control over the microstructure and thickness of the selective layer. In this study, stevioside, a contorted glycoside derived from plants, was introduced as a promising monomer for optimizing the microstructure of TFCM. The use of stevioside produced thin selective layers with ideal microporosity for antibiotic desalination, exhibiting high water permeance, antibiotic desalination efficiency, antifouling performance, and chlorine resistance.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Haya Nassrullah, Jamaliah Aburabie, Nidal Hilal, Raed Hashaikeh
Summary: Recent advancements in materials science have led to the development of nanofiltration membranes that are electrically conductive and suitable for desalination purposes. These membranes regulate ion transport and fouling by varying the surface potential. The researchers successfully created an electrically responsive nanofiltration membrane by physically entrapping carbon nanostructures within a cellulose network and crosslinking. Electron microscopy techniques confirmed the incorporation of the carbon nanostructures. The resulting membrane showed remarkable electrical conductivity and improved desalination performance when an external voltage was applied. The membrane also demonstrated reversible ion transport modulation, recyclability, and self-cleaning capabilities.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jamaliah Aburabie, Shabin Mohammed, Anilkumar Kumaran, Raed Hashaikeh
Summary: In this study, a polymeric membrane adsorber with high adsorption site density for selectively capturing palladium ions was proposed. The developed membrane exhibited outstanding palladium adsorption capacity, high selectivity, and good reusability.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jamaliah Aburabie, Shabin Mohammed, Anilkumar Kumaran, Raed Hashaikeh
Summary: In this study, a polymeric membrane adsorber with high adsorption site density is proposed for selectively capturing palladium Pd ions, providing an effective substitution for palladium recovery from dilute solutions. The membranes exhibit high adsorption capacity, selectivity, mechanical stability, and reusability.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luis Francisco Villalobos, Deepu J. Babu, Kuang-Jung Hsu, Cedric Van Goethem, Kumar Varoon Agrawal
Summary: Gas separation is a crucial industrial process and plays a significant role in the shift towards renewable energy. Traditional gas separation methods are energy-intensive, leading to high energy consumption in the chemical industry. This has driven research towards the development of high-performance membranes using novel materials like nanoporous single-layer graphene. These membranes have the potential to overcome the limitations of conventional polymer membranes, offering improved selectivity and permeance. This Account summarizes the progress in nanoporous single-layer graphene membranes for gas separation, discussing the mechanisms of gas transport, design elements for high-performance membranes, synthesis routes, and post-synthetic modifications. Practical aspects of membrane preparation and scale-up are also discussed.
ACCOUNTS OF MATERIALS RESEARCH
(2022)
