Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Amir Hossein Behroozi, Vahid Vatanpour, Louise Meunier, Mohammad Mehrabi, Ehssan H. Koupaie
Summary: Membrane-based separation processes are widely used in water purification plants worldwide. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is an emerging technique that can upgrade membranes for improved water and gas separation applications. ALD deposits thin and uniform coating layers on the membrane surface, enhancing its properties such as antifouling, selectivity, permeability, and hydrophilicity. ALD can broaden the applications of membranes in treating emerging contaminants in water and air. This review provides a comprehensive guideline for developing next-generation membranes with improved filtration and separation performance using ALD-based fabrication and modification.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yuyang Xiao, Xingfeng Lei, Yang Liu, Yuxuan Zhang, Xiaohua Ma, Qiuyu Zhang
Summary: In this study, a series of DDSQ-based polyimide membranes with intrinsic microporosity (PIM-PIs) were synthesized and fabricated, showing desirable mechanical properties, heat resistance, and gas permeability. Among all membranes, DDSQ-25 and DDSQ-50 exhibit the most favorable gas separation performance, almost achieving the 1991 Robeson upper bound.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nadeem Baig, Asif. Matin, M. Faizan, Deepak Anand, Irshad Ahmad, Safyan A. Khan
Summary: This study reports a surface modification of ultrafiltration membranes with a loose layer of nanosilver immobilized polydopamine, which can effectively be used for fractionating dyes and divalent salts in textile wastewater.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Shiyang Huang, Jaleh Mansouri, Pierre Le-Clech, Greg Leslie, Chuyang Y. Tang, Anthony G. Fane
Summary: This article reviews the application of the electrospray (ES) technique in membrane fabrication and modification, including the preparation of three-dimensional membrane structures through layer-by-layer deposition, micro-/nano-droplet production, and in situ polymerization. The ES technique is classified into four stages and the mechanisms and applications of each stage are analyzed. In addition, the latest developments of the ES technique are categorized, and the knowledge gaps and future research directions in each field are identified.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Ayesha Kausar, Ishaq Ahmad, Tingkai Zhao, O. Aldaghri, M. H. Eisa
Summary: One important application of polymer/graphene nanocomposites is in membrane technology, especially in the field of gas separation and purification. This review highlights the design, properties, and use of polymer/graphene nanocomposite membranes, as well as the effects of nanofiller content, modification, dispersion, and processing conditions on membrane properties. The development of polymer/graphene nanofibrous membranes has introduced novelty and potential in gas separation membranes, and current challenges and future opportunities are discussed.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zahra Rezaee, Toraj Mohammadi, Omid Bakhtiari
Summary: In this study, nanocomposite membranes with uniform dispersion of amorphous PANI nanofibers were prepared using different concentrations of Pebax 1657 and PANI. The membranes exhibited defect-free structures and lower crystallinities. As the nanofiber loading increased, the CO2 permeability and selectivity of the membranes increased, surpassing the Robeson upper bound limit and approaching the values in 2008. The CO2 permeability and ideal CO2/CH4 selectivity of the nanocomposite membrane loaded with 10 wt.% PANI nanofibers increased to 121.2 Barrer and 33, respectively, showing increments of 64% and 40%.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Monti Gogoi, Rajiv Goswami, Alimpia Borah, Hrishikesh Sarmah, Parashmoni Rajguru, Swapnali Hazarika
Summary: A new strategy was developed to improve the enantioseparation performance of DOPA through the use of functionalized Double-walled Carbon Nanotube (DWCNT) membranes. By incorporating chiral selectors into the DWCNT solution phase and assembling them into nanocomposite membranes, high enantiomeric excess values were achieved, demonstrating efficient enantioselectivity. This method showed a tradeoff in permeation results, with a high flux value for D-isomer and a lower flux value for L-isomer, suggesting successful enantioseparation capabilities.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Zhipeng Liao, Junyong Zhu, Xin Li, Bart Van der Bruggen
Summary: Thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes, prepared by introducing nanofillers into a polyamide layer, show enhanced performance and reduced fouling propensity by tailoring membrane surface properties. The composition and structure of nanofillers play a crucial role in determining the performance of TFN membranes in diverse separations.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Pooja Hariharan, Sujithra Sundarrajan, G. Arthanareeswaran, Sunanda Seshan, Diganta B. Das, A. F. Ismail
Summary: This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of different modifications on polymeric membranes for biomedical applications, discussing traditional and emerging surface modification techniques and their advantages and disadvantages. It also highlights the tuning of specific properties critical for increased applications in the biomedical industry and addresses current challenges and future research potential in membrane surface modification.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Fatemeh Hamidavi, Ali Kargari, Ali Eliassi
Summary: The study found that with a low percentage of nanosilica, permeability increased and selectivity decreased. As the nanosilica loading increased, silica particles dispersed more uniformly in the polymer matrix, forming membranes without any defects.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
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
Engineering, Chemical
Ran Chen, Junfeng Liu, Xingzheng Wang, Linlin Kong, Leyun Feng, Jingkai Han, Hao Bai, Fubing Bao
Summary: Programmable electrospinning system was used to create porous membranes with orthogonally aligned nanofibers. These membranes have more homogeneous pore size and stronger mechanical strength compared to traditional membranes. Modification with PTFE nanoparticles results in a filter membrane with high separation efficiency for both oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mirtha A. O. Lourenco, Marco Fontana, Pravin Jagdale, Candido Fabrizio Pirri, Sergio Bocchini
Summary: In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes with different functionalities were chemically modified with N1-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)diethylenetriamine (DETASi) to enhance CO2 adsorption/separation properties. Among the functionalized samples, COOH-modified MWCNT showed the highest CO2 adsorption capacity after DETASi modification. Additionally, the selectivity for CO2/N2 separation was improved after DETASi grafting reaction.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Dongwan Son, Seungjun Kim, Jinhyeong Kim, Doyeon Kim, Sujin Ryu, Youngbok Lee, Myungwoong Kim, Hoik Lee
Summary: In this study, a cellulose-based nanofiber membrane with exceptional hydrophilicity and oleophobicity is reported, which allows the penetration of water and rejects organic solvents, avoiding fouling by organic residues. The membrane is fabricated through electrospinning of cellulose acetate and subsequent deacetylation, followed by binding with a zwitterionic copolymer. The resulting membrane exhibits highly selective penetration of the water phase from various oil/water mixtures, with high filtration efficiency and reusability.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yuhui Niu, Yuhao Chen, Shanshan Bao, Haixiang Sun, Yaxuan Wang, Baosheng Ge, Peng Li, Yingfei Hou
Summary: The interlayered-thin film nanocomposite (i-TFN) membranes with nanomaterials as the interlayer have gained increasing attention in recent years. In this study, amino-functionalized graphene quantum dots (NGQDs) were used as the interlayer to modify the polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration substrate, and novel i-TFN polyarylate membranes for CO2/N-2 separation were prepared. The results showed that the i-TFN polyarylate membrane had a specific structure and high CO2/N-2 selectivity.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zahra Shabani, Toraj Mohammadi, Norollah Kasiri, Soleyman Sahebi
Summary: In this study, UiO-66-NH2 metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were modified using a mussel-inspired approach to synthesize polydopamine (PDA)-MOF hybrid nanoparticles (NPs), which were then embedded within a polyamide (PA) layer to fabricate thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes for desalination and heavy metal removal. The modified membranes demonstrated enhanced water flux and selectivity due to the establishment of extra water channels and improvements in hydrophilicity.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Maryam Tavakolmoghadam
Summary: The critical flux is an important factor affecting fouling in membrane bioreactors (MBRs). Determining and operating below the critical flux is essential to prevent severe fouling. This study evaluated the critical flux and pollutant removal in a lab-scale submerged membrane bioreactor using real oil refinery wastewater. The results showed that incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles into the PVDF membrane improved phenol removal efficiency and reduced fouling.
JOURNAL OF WATER CHEMISTRY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sepideh Roshdi, Norollah Kasiri, Javad Ivakpour, Seyed Hassan Hashemabadi
Summary: This study numerically investigates the effect of open hole area (OHA) on the performance of distillation trays. The results show that increasing OHA leads to an increase in froth density, clear liquid height, and wet pressure drop, while reducing froth height. The efficiency and entrainment values of different trays with varying OHAs are compared using Fr number and air dynamic pressure, and the tray with 14% OHA is found to have the lowest values. Pure hydrodynamic analysis can be used to qualitatively study the effects of geometric changes on entrainment and efficiency.
Review
Polymer Science
Elham Valamohammadi, Fatemeh Behdarvand, Toraj Mohammadi, Maryam Ahmadzadeh Tofighy, Zohreh Moghiseh
Summary: Polymeric membranes used in wastewater treatment and desalination show decreased efficiency over time. Polymer nanocomposite membranes (PNMs) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can improve permeability and antifouling properties, while also enhancing other physicochemical characteristics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fariba Sadat Kamelian, Fereshteh Naeimpoor, Toraj Mohammadi
Summary: This study investigates the efficient fermentation of high glucose and xylose levels via an innovative two-stage fermentation-pervaporation process. The use of immobilized Zymomonas mobilis and Pichia stipitis in a sequential-co-immobilized culture improves bioethanol productivity and reduces inhibitions. The study also fabricates a tubular superhydrophobic silicalite-1/PDMS pervaporative membrane to reduce inhibitions. The results show improved xylose conversion and ethanol productivity, making it a robust integrated process for second-generation bioethanol production.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Soha Habibi, Toraj Mohammadi, Romina HMTShirazi, Fatemeh Atyabi, Melika Kiani, Amir Atabak Asadi
Summary: In this study, double-layer CS/PVA/mupirocin (CPM) + CS/PVA/bupivacaine (CPB) electrospun nanofiber mats were prepared and crosslinked to optimize their water-resistant and biodegradation properties. The mats exhibited defect-free and interconnected nanofibers, providing a moist environment for efficient wound breathing and repairing. The highly porous mat absorbed wound exudates and allowed air permeability, reducing the chance of bacterial infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zahra Rezaee, Toraj Mohammadi, Omid Bakhtiari
Summary: In this study, nanocomposite membranes with uniform dispersion of amorphous PANI nanofibers were prepared using different concentrations of Pebax 1657 and PANI. The membranes exhibited defect-free structures and lower crystallinities. As the nanofiber loading increased, the CO2 permeability and selectivity of the membranes increased, surpassing the Robeson upper bound limit and approaching the values in 2008. The CO2 permeability and ideal CO2/CH4 selectivity of the nanocomposite membrane loaded with 10 wt.% PANI nanofibers increased to 121.2 Barrer and 33, respectively, showing increments of 64% and 40%.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ali Behboudi, Toraj Mohammadi, Mathias Ulbricht
Summary: Surface-modified silver nanoparticles with different functional groups were synthesized and used as functional fillers in nanocomposite membranes for membrane bioreactors (MBRs). The modifications successfully immobilized the nanoparticles inside the membrane, reducing silver release. The modified nanoparticles exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity and improved the antifouling properties of the membranes. This led to significant improvements in MBR performance, with increased flux, COD removal, and flux recovery.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Negin Asadi Arbabi, Mahsa Ostadi, Fariba Sadat Kamelian, Toraj Mohammadi, Soheil Zarghami, Mona Dehghankar
Summary: Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) have gained attention in recent years as biotechnology-based wastewater treatment processes. However, the issue of membrane fouling/biofouling has limited their widespread use. A novel MIL-101(Cr) (MCPs)/polyethersulfone (PES) composite membrane was prepared using the phase inversion method. Adding 0.4 wt% MCPs significantly improved the hydrophilicity and pore characteristics of the membrane, resulting in reduced fouling/biofouling. The optimal composite membrane exhibited improved water flux, fouling resistance, and COD removal efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Saeed Seraj, Toraj Mohammadi, Maryam Ahmadzadeh Tofighy
Summary: For the first time, lycopodium was incorporated into a polyvinylidene fluoride matrix to fabricate a lycopodium/polyvinylidene fluoride membrane for desalination applications. The membrane showed superior performance in terms of flux, salt rejection, water contact angle, and hydrophobicity compared to the neat polyvinylidene fluoride membrane. The presence of lycopodium with its hydrophobic nature and interconnected nano-channels in the membrane structure contributed to the improved flux and salt rejection.
FRONTIERS OF CHEMICAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Romina HMTShirazi, Azarakhsh Heidari, Toraj Mohammadi
Summary: Efficient separation of salts and heavy metal ions from wastewater is crucial for environmental protection and resource recovery. A new hollow fiber nanofiltration membrane (HFNM) with a highly positive charge was developed using HPEI self-assembly and MeI quaternization. The membrane exhibited superb rejection rates of Zn2+ and Mg2+, high water flux, and long-term stability, making it an effective solution for water purification.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Hamed Faramarzi, Mehran Arzani, Abdollah Khosravanian, Hamidreza Mahdavi, Omid Bakhtiari, Toraj Mohammadi
Summary: The idea of using liquid membranes (LMs) for faster and facilitated transport is theoretically fascinating and promising for various applications. Among the different forms of LMs, supported liquid membranes (SLMs) have shown great selectivity and potential. This review comprehensively analyzes the current state of the art in SLMs for gas separation and discusses the design and application considerations when choosing between polymeric or ceramic supports. The principles of LMs, including their chronology, transport mechanism, and advantages and disadvantages are thoroughly examined, along with the different configurations suggested and their transition from the laboratory to practical implementation.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Mona Dehghankar, Romina HMTShirazi, Toraj Mohammadi, Maryam Ahmadzadeh Tofighy
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with highly flexible structures and extraordinary surface area are considered as promising materials for separation processes. However, the challenge lies in improving MOFs' stability and recyclability in membranes and overcoming membrane fouling. This article presents an overview of current progress in the combination of MOFs with polymeric membranes to address these issues.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mohammad Hosein Moghadasin, Toraj Mohammadi, Maryam Ahmadzadeh Tofighy
Summary: This study reports the successful synthesis and integration of a NaP/GO nanohybrid into a PVA matrix to fabricate mixed matrix membranes. The membranes containing 0.5 wt% NaP/GO exhibited superior separation performance at an elevated temperature, with impressive separation factor and permeate flux.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Setareh Karimzadeh, Romina Hmtshirazi, Toraj Mohammadi, Amir Atabak Asadi
Summary: In this study, an innovative nanofibrous membrane was fabricated using an electrospinning technique for the removal of Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions from contaminated water. The membrane exhibited high removal percentages, good modeling capability, high water flux, suitable reusability, and long-term stability, making it a potential filter for water treatment applications.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
