A Comprehensive Analysis of the Impact of Inorganic Matter on Membrane Organic Fouling: A Mini Review

Abstract

Membrane fouling is a non-negligible issue affecting the performance of membrane systems. Particularly, organic fouling is the most persistent and severe form of fouling. The complexation between inorganic and organic matter may exacerbate membrane organic fouling. This mini review systematically analyzes the role of inorganic matter in membrane organic fouling. Inorganic substances, such as metal ions and silica, can interact with organic foulants like humic acids, polysaccharides, and proteins through ionic bonding, hydrogen bonding, coordination, and van der Waals interactions. These interactions facilitate the formation of larger aggregates that exacerbate fouling, especially for reverse osmosis membranes. Molecular simulations using molecular dynamics (MD) and density functional theory (DFT) provide valuable mechanistic insights complementing fouling experiments. Polysaccharide fouling is mainly governed by transparent exopolymer particle (TEP) formations induced by inorganic ion bridging. Inorganic coagulants like aluminum and iron salts mitigate fouling for ultrafiltration but not reverse osmosis membranes. This review summarizes the effects of critical inorganic constituents on fouling by major organic foulants, providing an important reference for membrane fouling modeling and fouling control strategies.

A review of current developments in graphene oxide–polysulfone derived membranes for water remediation

“…Van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding and electrostatic force play a role in the fouling process. 126,127 The flux recovery ratio of composite membranes is greater than that of pure PSF membranes, which reflects the enhanced anti-fouling properties of composite membranes. The increase in hydrophilicity is accountable for the blocking of protein chemisorption on the membrane surfaces.…”