Membranes

12 pages, 4392 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Operating Parameters on Ionic Liquid Membrane to Remove Humidity in a Green Continuous Process

by Xueru Yan, Alexandre Favard, Stéphane Anguille, Marc Bendahan and Philippe Moulin

Membranes 2019, 9(5), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes9050065 - 24 May 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3017

Membrane processes are promising methods to separate gases from feed streams without phase changing. A hybrid process, the combination of ionic liquids with a ceramic membrane (ILM), has been developed for humidity removal in a green continuous process. This new concept provides a [...] Read more.

Membrane processes are promising methods to separate gases from feed streams without phase changing. A hybrid process, the combination of ionic liquids with a ceramic membrane (ILM), has been developed for humidity removal in a green continuous process. This new concept provides a more efficient and available ionic liquid (IL)-based membrane regeneration process, which just switches the moist feed stream to dry air. Furthermore, the ILM presents high stability and mechanical resistance during long-time operation. In addition, the influences of several operating parameters, including flow rate, temperature, absolute pressure, and feed concentration on process efficiency were investigated. The lower inlet flow rate was found to be favorable for drying humid air. Moreover, when the pressure increased, the mass of absorbed water was increased, while the feed concentration had no significant effects on the membrane separation performance. However, the operating temperature had a great effect on humidity removal. It is necessary to note that the processes at room temperature can limit the energy consumption. The absorbing process of ILM remained efficient after several absorption desorption cycles. Therefore, the new ILM hybrid process that has been developed has great potential for consecutive humidity removal processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionic Liquid-based Materials for Membrane Processes)

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11 pages, 1866 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ceramic Membranes Photocatalytically Functionalized on the Permeate Side and Their Application to Water Treatment

by André Ayral

Membranes 2019, 9(5), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes9050064 - 23 May 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3457

Abstract

This work deals with direct coupling of membrane separation and photocatalytic degradation by using photocatalytic ceramic membranes. An unusual configuration is considered here, with the irradiation applied on the permeate side of the membrane in order to mineralize small organic molecules not retained [...] Read more.

This work deals with direct coupling of membrane separation and photocatalytic degradation by using photocatalytic ceramic membranes. An unusual configuration is considered here, with the irradiation applied on the permeate side of the membrane in order to mineralize small organic molecules not retained by the membrane. Different types of such membranes are presented. Their functional performance is quantified thanks to a simple experimental method enabling the estimation of the specific degradation rate δ, i.e., the quantity of destroyed organic molecules per unit of time and of membrane surface area. The relevance of δ for the design and scale-up of purification units is then illustrated. Finally, current technological challenges and potential solutions concerning the industrial implementation of such photocatalytic membranes are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes for Environmental Engineering)

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20 pages, 10405 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Talc Addition on the Performance of Polypropylene Membranes Formed by TIPS Method

by Marek Gryta

Membranes 2019, 9(5), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes9050063 - 14 May 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3800

Abstract

The effect of talc addition on the morphology of capillary membranes formed by a thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) method was investigated in the presented work. The usability of such formed membranes for membrane distillation was evaluated. Two types of commercial capillary polypropylene [...] Read more.

The effect of talc addition on the morphology of capillary membranes formed by a thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) method was investigated in the presented work. The usability of such formed membranes for membrane distillation was evaluated. Two types of commercial capillary polypropylene membranes, fabricated for microfiltration process, were applied in the studies. A linear arrangement of polymer chains was obtained in the walls of membranes formed without a talc addition. In the case of membranes blended with talc, the linear structure was disordered, and a more porous structure was obtained. The changes in morphology enhanced the mechanical properties of blended membranes, and their lower thermal degradation was observed during 350 h of membrane distillation studies. Long-term studies confirmed the stability of talc dispersion in the membrane matrix. A leaching of talc from polypropylene (PP) membranes was not found during the membrane distillation (MD) process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membrane Distillation Process)

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16 pages, 4169 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Method for Humidity-Dependent Through-Plane Impedance Measurement for Proton Conducting Polymer Membranes

by Patrick Heimerdinger, Andreas Rosin, Michael A. Danzer and Thorsten Gerdes

Membranes 2019, 9(5), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes9050062 - 07 May 2019

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4865

Abstract

In this study, we introduce a through-plane electrochemical measurement cell for proton conducting polymer membranes (PEM) with the ability to vary temperature and humidity. Model Nafion and 3M membranes, as well as anisotropic composite membranes, were used to compare through plane and in [...] Read more.

In this study, we introduce a through-plane electrochemical measurement cell for proton conducting polymer membranes (PEM) with the ability to vary temperature and humidity. Model Nafion and 3M membranes, as well as anisotropic composite membranes, were used to compare through plane and in plane conductivity. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was applied to evaluate the proton conductivity of bare proton exchange membranes. In the Nyquist plots, all membranes showed a straight line with an angle of 60–70 degrees to the Z’-axis. Equivalent circuit modeling and linear extrapolation of the impedance data were compared to extract the membrane resistance. System and cell parameters such as high frequency inductance, contact resistance and pressure, interfacial capacitance were observed and instrumentally minimized. Material-related effects, such as swelling of the membranes and indentation of the platinum mesh electrodes were examined thoroughly to receive a reliable through-plane conductivity. The received data for model Nafion and 3M membranes were in accordance with literature values for in-plane and through-plane conductivity of membrane electrode assemblies. Anisotropic composite membranes underlined the importance of a sophisticated measurement technique that is able to separate the in-plane and through-plane effects in polymer electrolytes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Polymeric Membranes)

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13 pages, 1356 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Hybrid Forward Osmosis–Nanofiltration for Wastewater Reuse: System Design

by Mattia Giagnorio, Francesco Ricceri, Marco Tagliabue, Luciano Zaninetta and Alberto Tiraferri

Membranes 2019, 9(5), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes9050061 - 06 May 2019

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 5401

Abstract

The design of a hybrid forward osmosis–nanofiltration (FO–NF) system for the extraction of high-quality water from wastewater is presented here. Simulations were performed based on experimental results obtained in a previous study using real wastewater as the feed solution. A sensitivity analysis, conducted [...] Read more.

The design of a hybrid forward osmosis–nanofiltration (FO–NF) system for the extraction of high-quality water from wastewater is presented here. Simulations were performed based on experimental results obtained in a previous study using real wastewater as the feed solution. A sensitivity analysis, conducted to evaluate the influence of different process parameters, showed that an optimum configuration can be designed with (i) an influent draw solution osmotic pressure equal to 15 bar and (ii) a ratio of influent draw solution to feed solution flow rate equal to 1.5:1. With this configuration, the simulations suggested that the overall FO–NF system can achieve up to 85% water recovery using Na₂SO₄ or MgCl₂ as the draw solute. The modular configuration and the size of the NF stage, accommodating approximately 7000 m² of active membrane area, was a function of the properties of the membranes selected to separate the draw solutes and water, while detailed simulations indicated that the size of the FO unit might be reduced by adopting a counter-current configuration. Experimental tests with samples of the relevant wastewater showed that Cl⁻- and Mg²⁺-based draw solutes would be associated with larger membrane fouling, possibly due to their interaction with the other substances present in the feed solution. However, the results suggest that fouling would not significantly decrease the performance of the designed system. This study contributes to the further evaluation and potential implementation of FO in water reuse systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forward Osmosis: Modelling and Applications)

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10 pages, 4771 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Triple-Layer Nanofiber Membranes for Treating High Salinity Brines Using Direct Contact Membrane Distillation

by Mustafa Al-Furaiji, Jason T. Arena, Jian Ren, Nieck Benes, Arian Nijmeijer and Jeffrey R. McCutcheon

Membranes 2019, 9(5), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes9050060 - 06 May 2019

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4044

Abstract

A composite, three-layered membrane for membrane distillation was prepared from electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers supported by commercial polyethersulfone (PES) nanofiber based nonwoven from E.I. duPont de Nemours company (DuPont). The membranes were tested in direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) using a 5.0 [...] Read more.

A composite, three-layered membrane for membrane distillation was prepared from electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers supported by commercial polyethersulfone (PES) nanofiber based nonwoven from E.I. duPont de Nemours company (DuPont). The membranes were tested in direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) using a 5.0 M sodium chloride brine as a feed solution. The triple layer membrane combines the hydrophobicity of PVDF and the robustness of the PES. The triple layer membrane demonstrated excellent performance in DCMD (i.e., relatively high water flux compared to the commercial PVDF membrane and a complete salt rejection of the brine) with mechanical properties imparted by the PES layer. This work is the first to demonstrate the use of a commercially produced nanofiber nonwoven for membrane distillation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membrane Distillation Process)

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14 pages, 2389 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Concentrating of Sugar Syrup in Bioethanol Production Using Sweeping Gas Membrane Distillation

by Mohammad Mahdi A. Shirazi and Ali Kargari

Membranes 2019, 9(5), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes9050059 - 01 May 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3963

Abstract

Membrane distillation (MD) is a relatively new and underdeveloped separation process which can be classified as a green technology. However, in order to investigate its dark points, sensitivity analysis and optimization studies are critical. In this work, a number of MD experiments were [...] Read more.

Membrane distillation (MD) is a relatively new and underdeveloped separation process which can be classified as a green technology. However, in order to investigate its dark points, sensitivity analysis and optimization studies are critical. In this work, a number of MD experiments were performed for concentrating glucose syrup using a sweeping gas membrane distillation (SGMD) process as a critical step in bioethanol production. The experimental design method was the Taguchi orthogonal array (an L₉ orthogonal one) methodology. The experimental results showed the effects of various operating variables, including temperature (45, 55, and 65 °C), flow rate (200, 400, and 600 ml/min) and glucose concentration (10, 30, and 50 g/l) of the feed stream, as well as sweeping gas flow rate (4, 10, and 16 standard cubic feet per hour (SCFH)) on the permeate flux. The main effects of the operating variables were reported. An ANOVA analysis showed that the most and the least influenced variables were feed temperature and feed flow rate, each one with 62.1% and 6.1% contributions, respectively. The glucose rejection was measured at 99% for all experiments. Results indicated that the SGMD process could be considered as a versatile and clean process in the sugar concentration step of the bioethanol production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membrane Distillation Process)

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70 pages, 12168 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Structures, Properties, and Performances—Relationships of Polymeric Membranes for Pervaporative Desalination

by Nayan Ranjan Singha, Mrinmoy Karmakar, Pijush Kanti Chattopadhyay, Sagar Roy, Mousumi Deb, Himarati Mondal, Manas Mahapatra, Arnab Dutta, Madhushree Mitra and Joy Sankar Deb Roy

Membranes 2019, 9(5), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes9050058 - 01 May 2019

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 9601

Abstract

For the fulfilment of increasing global demand and associated challenges related to the supply of clean-and-safe water, PV has been considered as one of the most attractive and promising areas in desalinating salty-water of varied salinities. In pervaporative desalination, the sustainability, endurance, and [...] Read more.

For the fulfilment of increasing global demand and associated challenges related to the supply of clean-and-safe water, PV has been considered as one of the most attractive and promising areas in desalinating salty-water of varied salinities. In pervaporative desalination, the sustainability, endurance, and structural features of membrane, along with operating parameters, play the dominant roles and impart paramount impact in governing the overall PV efficiency. Indeed, polymeric- and organic-membranes suffer from several drawbacks, including inferior structural stability and durability, whereas the fabrication of purely inorganic membranes is complicated and costly. Therefore, recent development on the high-performance and cost-friendly PV membrane is mostly concentrated on synthesizing composite- and NCP-membranes possessing the advantages of both organic- and inorganic-membranes. This review reflects the insights into the physicochemical properties and fabrication approaches of different classes of PV membranes, especially composite- and NCP-membranes. The mass transport mechanisms interrelated to the specialized structural features have been discussed. Additionally, the performance potential and application prospects of these membranes in a wide spectrum of desalination and wastewater treatment have been elaborated. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives have been identified in developing and scaling up different high-performance membranes suitable for broader commercial applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Polymeric Membranes)

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11 pages, 1951 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

“Intrinsic” Anion Exchange Polymers through the Dissociation of Strong Basic Groups: PPO with Grafted Bicyclic Guanidines

by Riccardo Narducci, Gianfranco Ercolani, Raul Andres Becerra-Arciniegas, Luca Pasquini, Philippe Knauth and Maria Luisa Di Vona

Membranes 2019, 9(5), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes9050057 - 29 Apr 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3594

Abstract

We synthesized anion exchange polymers by a reaction of chloromethylated poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene)oxide (PPO) with strongly basic 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD). TBD contains secondary and tertiary amine groups in the guanidine portion. To favor the functionalization with the secondary amine, TBD was activated with butyl lithium. The [...] Read more.

We synthesized anion exchange polymers by a reaction of chloromethylated poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene)oxide (PPO) with strongly basic 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD). TBD contains secondary and tertiary amine groups in the guanidine portion. To favor the functionalization with the secondary amine, TBD was activated with butyl lithium. The yield of amine formation via the reaction of the benzyl chloride moiety with TBD was 85%. Furthermore, we prepared polymers with quaternary ammonium groups by the reaction of PPO-TBD with CH₃I. The synthesis pathways and ionomer structure were investigated by NMR spectroscopy. The thermal decomposition of both ionomers, studied by thermogravimetry, started above 200 °C, corresponding to the loss of the basic group. The ion exchange capacities, water uptake and volumetric swelling are also reported. The “intrinsic” anion conductivity of PPO-TBD due to the dissociation of grafted TBD was in the order of 1 mS/cm (Cl form). The quaternized ionomer (PPO-TBD-Me) showed an even larger ionic conductivity, above 10 mS/cm at 80 °C in fully humidified conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Polymeric Membranes)

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Membranes, Volume 9, Issue 5 (May 2019) – 9 articles

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