Membranes

126 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Biochemistry Usefully Guide the Search for Better Polymer Electrolytes?

by J. Woods Halley

Membranes 2013, 3(3), 242-248; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes3030242 - 17 Sep 2013

Viewed by 4808

I review some considerations that suggest that the biochemical products of evolution may provide hints concerning the way forward for the development of better electrolytes for lithium polymer batteries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Membranes for Electrochemical Energy Applications)

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247 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pretreatment and Membrane Hydrophilic Modification to Reduce Membrane Fouling

by Wen Sun, Junxia Liu, Huaqiang Chu and Bingzhi Dong

Membranes 2013, 3(3), 226-241; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes3030226 - 04 Sep 2013

Cited by 131 | Viewed by 10729

Abstract

The application of low pressure membranes (microfiltration/ultrafiltration) has undergone accelerated development for drinking water production. However, the major obstacle encountered in its popularization is membrane fouling caused by natural organic matter (NOM). This paper firstly summarizes the two factors causing the organic membrane [...] Read more.

The application of low pressure membranes (microfiltration/ultrafiltration) has undergone accelerated development for drinking water production. However, the major obstacle encountered in its popularization is membrane fouling caused by natural organic matter (NOM). This paper firstly summarizes the two factors causing the organic membrane fouling, including molecular weight (MW) and hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of NOM, and then presents a brief introduction of the methods which can prevent membrane fouling such as pretreatment of the feed water (e.g., coagulation, adsorption, and pre-oxidation) and membrane hydrophilic modification (e.g., plasma modification, irradiation grafting modification, surface coating modification, blend modification, etc.). Perspectives of further research are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes and Water Treatment)

806 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of the Effect of Nanoparticles and Surface Morphology on Reverse Osmosis and Nanofiltration Membrane Productivity

by Yuming Fang and Steven J. Duranceau

Membranes 2013, 3(3), 196-225; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes3030196 - 15 Aug 2013

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 9649

Abstract

To evaluate the significance of reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) surface morphology on membrane performance, productivity experiments were conducted using flat-sheet membranes and three different nanoparticles, which included SiO₂, TiO₂ and CeO₂. In this study, the productivity [...] Read more.

To evaluate the significance of reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) surface morphology on membrane performance, productivity experiments were conducted using flat-sheet membranes and three different nanoparticles, which included SiO₂, TiO₂ and CeO₂. In this study, the productivity rate was markedly influenced by membrane surface morphology. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis of membrane surfaces revealed that the higher productivity decline rates associated with polyamide RO membranes as compared to that of a cellulose acetate NF membrane was due to the inherent ridge-and-valley morphology of the active layer. The unique polyamide active layer morphology was directly related to the surface roughness, and was found to contribute to particle accumulation in the valleys causing a higher flux decline than in smoother membranes. Extended RO productivity experiments using laboratory grade water and diluted pretreated seawater were conducted to compare the effect that different nanoparticles had on membrane active layers. Membrane flux decline was not affected by particle type when the feed water was laboratory grade water. On the other hand, membrane productivity was affected by particle type when pretreated diluted seawater served as feed water. It was found that CeO₂ addition resulted in the least observable flux decline, followed by SiO₂ and TiO₂. A productivity simulation was conducted by fitting the monitored flux data into a cake growth rate model, where the model was modified using a finite difference method to incorporate surface thickness variation into the analysis. The ratio of cake growth term (k₁) and particle back diffusion term (k₂) was compared in between different RO and NF membranes. Results indicated that k₂ was less significant for surfaces that exhibited a higher roughness. It was concluded that the valley areas of thin-film membrane surfaces have the ability to capture particles, limiting particle back diffusion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes and Water Treatment)

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323 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Sulfonated Poly(ether ether ketone) Ion Exchange Preparation Conditions on Membrane Properties

by Rebecca S. L. Yee, Kaisong Zhang and Bradley P. Ladewig

Membranes 2013, 3(3), 182-195; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes3030182 - 13 Aug 2013

Cited by 116 | Viewed by 12150

Abstract

A low cost cation exchange membrane to be used in a specific bioelectrochemical system has been developed using poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK). This material is presented as an alternative to current commercial ion exchange membranes that have been primarily designed for fuel cell [...] Read more.

A low cost cation exchange membrane to be used in a specific bioelectrochemical system has been developed using poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK). This material is presented as an alternative to current commercial ion exchange membranes that have been primarily designed for fuel cell applications. To increase the hydrophilicity and ion transport of the PEEK material, charged groups are introduced through sulfonation. The effect of sulfonation and casting conditions on membrane performance has been systematically determined by producing a series of membranes synthesized over an array of reaction and casting conditions. Optimal reaction and casting conditions for producing SPEEK ion exchange membranes with appropriate performance characteristics have been established by this uniquely systematic experimental series. Membrane materials were characterized by ion exchange capacity, water uptake, swelling, potential difference and NMR analysis. Testing this extensive membranes series established that the most appropriate sulfonation conditions were 60 °C for 6 h. For mechanical stability and ease of handling, SPEEK membranes cast from solvent casting concentrations of 15%–25% with a resulting thickness of 30–50 µm were also found to be most suitable from the series of tested casting conditions. Drying conditions did not have any apparent impact on the measured parameters in this study. The conductivity of SPEEK membranes was found to be in the range of 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹, which is suitable for use as a low cost membrane in the intended bioelectrochemical systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Membranes for Electrochemical Energy Applications)

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2102 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Affinity Separation of Lectins Using Porous Membranes Immobilized with Glycopolymer Brushes Containing Mannose or N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine

by Yutaro Ogata, Hirokazu Seto, Tatsuya Murakami, Yu Hoshino and Yoshiko Miura

Membranes 2013, 3(3), 169-181; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes3030169 - 30 Jul 2013

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 7222

Abstract

Porous membranes with glycopolymer brushes were prepared as biomaterials for affinity separation. Glycopolymer brushes contained acrylic acid and D-mannose or N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, and were formed on substrates by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. The presence of glycopolymer brush was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron [...] Read more.

Porous membranes with glycopolymer brushes were prepared as biomaterials for affinity separation. Glycopolymer brushes contained acrylic acid and D-mannose or N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, and were formed on substrates by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. The presence of glycopolymer brush was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, contact angle, and ellipsometry measurements. The interaction between lectin and the glycopolymer immobilized on glass slides was confirmed using fluorescent-labeled proteins. Glycopolymer-immobilized surfaces exhibited specific adsorption of the corresponding lectin, compared with bovine serum albumin. Lectins were continuously rejected by the glycopolymer-immobilized membranes. When the protein solution was permeated through the glycopolymer-immobilized membrane, bovine serum albumin was not adsorbed on the membrane surface. In contrast, concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin were rejected by membranes incorporating D-mannose or N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, respectively. The amounts of adsorbed concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin was increased five- and two-fold that of adsorbed bovine serum albumin, respectively. Full article

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1800 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temperature and Pressure Effects of Desalination Using a MFI-Type Zeolite Membrane

by Bo Zhu, Jun Hyun Kim, Yong-Han Na, Il-Shik Moon, Greg Connor, Shuichi Maeda, Gayle Morris, Stephen Gray and Mikel Duke

Membranes 2013, 3(3), 155-168; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes3030155 - 17 Jul 2013

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 9804

Abstract

Zeolites are potentially a robust desalination alternative, as they are chemically stable and possess the essential properties needed to reject ions. Zeolite membranes could desalinate “challenging” waters, such as saline secondary effluent, without any substantial pre-treatment, due to the robust mechanical properties of [...] Read more.

Zeolites are potentially a robust desalination alternative, as they are chemically stable and possess the essential properties needed to reject ions. Zeolite membranes could desalinate “challenging” waters, such as saline secondary effluent, without any substantial pre-treatment, due to the robust mechanical properties of ceramic membranes. A novel MFI-type zeolite membrane was developed on a tubular α-Al₂O₃ substrate by a combined rubbing and secondary hydrothermal growth method. The prepared membrane was characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and single gas (He or N₂) permeation and underwent desalination tests with NaCl solutions under different pressures (0.7 MPa and 7 MPa). The results showed that higher pressure resulted in higher Na⁺ rejection and permeate flux. The zeolite membrane achieved a good rejection of Na⁺ (~82%) for a NaCl feed solution with a TDS (total dissolved solids) of 3000 mg·L⁻¹ at an applied pressure of 7 MPa and 21 °C. To explore the opportunity for high salinity and high temperature desalination, this membrane was also tested with high concentration NaCl solutions (up to TDS 90,000 mg·L⁻¹) and at 90 °C. This is the first known work at such high salinities of NaCl. It was found that increasing the salinity of the feed solution decreased both Na⁺rejection and flux. An increase in testing temperature resulted in an increase in permeate flux, but a decrease in ion rejection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes and Water Treatment)

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133 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Intelligent Membranes: Dream or Reality?

by Annarosa Gugliuzza

Membranes 2013, 3(3), 151-154; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes3030151 - 15 Jul 2013

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7171

Abstract

Intelligent materials are claimed to overcome current drawbacks associated with the attainment of high standards of life, health, security and defense. Membrane-based sensors represent a category of smart systems capable of providing a large number of benefits to different markets of textiles, biomedicine, [...] Read more.

Intelligent materials are claimed to overcome current drawbacks associated with the attainment of high standards of life, health, security and defense. Membrane-based sensors represent a category of smart systems capable of providing a large number of benefits to different markets of textiles, biomedicine, environment, chemistry, agriculture, architecture, transport and energy. Intelligent membranes can be characterized by superior sensitivity, broader dynamic range and highly sophisticated mechanisms of autorecovery. These prerogatives are regarded as the result of multi-compartment arrays, where complementary functions can be accommodated and well-integrated. Based on the mechanism of “sense to act”, stimuli-responsive membranes adapt themselves to surrounding environments, producing desired effects such as smart regulation of transport, wetting, transcription, hydrodynamics, separation, and chemical or energy conversion. Hopefully, the design of new smart devices easier to manufacture and assemble can be realized through the integration of sensing membranes with wireless networks, looking at the ambitious challenge to establish long-distance communications. Thus, the transfer of signals to collecting systems could allow continuous and real-time monitoring of data, events and/or processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responsive Polymer Membranes)

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1554 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance and Long Term Stability of Mesoporous Silica Membranes for Desalination

by Muthia Elma, Christelle Yacou, João C. Diniz da Costa and David K. Wang

Membranes 2013, 3(3), 136-150; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes3030136 - 12 Jul 2013

Cited by 76 | Viewed by 9922

Abstract

This work shows the preparation of silica membranes by a two-step sol-gel method using tetraethyl orthosilicate in ethanolic solution by employing nitric acid and ammonia as co-catalysts. The sols prepared in pH 6 resulted in the lowest concentration of silanol (Si–OH) species to [...] Read more.

This work shows the preparation of silica membranes by a two-step sol-gel method using tetraethyl orthosilicate in ethanolic solution by employing nitric acid and ammonia as co-catalysts. The sols prepared in pH 6 resulted in the lowest concentration of silanol (Si–OH) species to improve hydrostability and the optimized conditions for film coating. The membrane was tested to desalinate 0.3–15 wt % synthetic sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions at a feed temperature of 22 °C followed by long term membrane performance of up to 250 h in 3.5 wt % NaCl solution. Results show that the water flux (and salt rejection) decrease with increasing salt concentration delivering an average value of 9.5 kg m^–² h^–1 (99.6%) and 1.55 kg m^–² h^–1 (89.2%) from the 0.3 and 15 wt % saline feed solutions, respectively. Furthermore, the permeate salt concentration was measured to be less than 600 ppm for testing conditions up to 5 wt % saline feed solutions, achieving below the recommended standard for potable water. Long term stability shows that the membrane performance in water flux was stable for up to 150 h, and slightly reduced from thereon, possibly due to the blockage of large hydrated ions in the micropore constrictions of the silica matrix. However, the integrity of the silica matrix was not affected by the long term testing as excellent salt rejection of >99% was maintained for over 250 h. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes and Water Treatment)

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213 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Successful Integration of Membrane Technologies in a Conventional Purification Process of Tannery Wastewater Streams

by Marco Stoller, Olga Sacco, Diana Sannino and Angelo Chianese

Membranes 2013, 3(3), 126-135; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes3030126 - 11 Jul 2013

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 6104

Abstract

The aim of this work is to design and integrate an optimized batch membrane process in a conventional purification process used for the treatment of tannery wastewater. The integration was performed by using two spiral wound membrane modules in series, that is, nanofiltration [...] Read more.

The aim of this work is to design and integrate an optimized batch membrane process in a conventional purification process used for the treatment of tannery wastewater. The integration was performed by using two spiral wound membrane modules in series, that is, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis, as substitutes to the biological reactor. The membrane process was designed in terms of sensible fouling issues reduction, which may be observed on the nanofiltration membrane if no optimization is performed. The entity of the fouling phenomena was estimated by pressure cycling measurements, determining both the critical and the threshold flux on the nanofiltration membrane. The obtained results were used to estimate the need of the overdesign of the membrane plant, as well as to define optimized operating conditions in order to handle fouling issues correctly for a long period of time. Finally, the developed membrane process was compared, from a technical and economic point of view, with the conventional biological process, widely offered as an external service near tannery production sites, and, here, proposed to be substituted by membrane technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes and Water Treatment)

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1142 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strategic Co-Location in a Hybrid Process Involving Desalination and Pressure Retarded Osmosis (PRO)

by Victor S.T. Sim, Qianhong She, Tzyy Haur Chong, Chuyang Y. Tang, Anthony G. Fane and William B. Krantz

Membranes 2013, 3(3), 98-125; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes3030098 - 04 Jul 2013

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 9591

Abstract

This paper focuses on a Hybrid Process that uses feed salinity dilution and osmotic power recovery from Pressure Retarded Osmosis (PRO) to achieve higher overall water recovery. This reduces the energy consumption and capital costs of conventional seawater desalination and water reuse processes. [...] Read more.

This paper focuses on a Hybrid Process that uses feed salinity dilution and osmotic power recovery from Pressure Retarded Osmosis (PRO) to achieve higher overall water recovery. This reduces the energy consumption and capital costs of conventional seawater desalination and water reuse processes. The Hybrid Process increases the amount of water recovered from the current 66.7% for conventional seawater desalination and water reuse processes to a potential 80% through the use of reclaimed water brine as an impaired water source. A reduction of up to 23% in energy consumption is projected via the Hybrid Process. The attractiveness is amplified by potential capital cost savings ranging from 8.7%–20% compared to conventional designs of seawater desalination plants. A decision matrix in the form of a customizable scorecard is introduced for evaluating a Hybrid Process based on the importance of land space, capital costs, energy consumption and membrane fouling. This study provides a new perspective, looking at processes not as individual systems but as a whole utilizing strategic co-location to unlock the synergies available in the water-energy nexus for more sustainable desalination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes and Water Treatment)

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Membranes, Volume 3, Issue 3 (September 2013) – 10 articles , Pages 98-248

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