Innovative approaches in membrane technology: developing novel anti-fouling and high flux membranes with functionally zones
Membrane separation is crucial in industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, and environmental engineering. Traditional anti-fouling membranes are often fabricated through surface modification to reduce contaminant adsorption. However, a persistent challenge has been the trade-off between anti-fouling properties and permeability in traditional membranes, which are often modified to reduce contaminant adsorption but at the cost of reduced efficiency.
Dr Yang Xuan, from Professor Hu Jiangyong's team in Advanced Water Technology Laboratory, Energy and Environmental Nanotech Research Platform of NUSRI-Suzhou, has developed a novel method by creating functional zones to simultaneously achieve anti-fouling and high permeability. This method involves constructing ionic polymer layers with distinct functional zones on the membrane surface. The outer layer could isolate contaminants, while the inner hydrophilic layer enhances hydrophilicity and permeability.
The experimental results show that the prepared membranes are able to resist contamination while maintain high permeability. These membranes are scalable and possess self-cleaning capabilities. Unlike traditional membrane modifications, this method reduces the burden on modified substances, enabling high flux filtration and improved contamination resistance. The adaptability allows for customising anti-fouling layers to target specific contaminants. Remarkably, lab tests have shown that these membranes can swiftly cleanse themselves of oil contamination with a simple water rinse after being immersed in fuel oil.
This innovative method offers a new strategy for developing anti-fouling membranes. It can be used to create a series of high flux, anti-fouling membrane products such as anti-protein adsorption membranes, anti-humic acid adsorption membranes, and anti-oil contamination membranes, with significant potential across various fields including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical treatment, and water treatment.
