Development of membrane distillation by dosing SiO2-PNIPAM with thermal cleaning properties via surface energy actuation

Lyly, Leow Hui Ting; Chang, Ying Shi; Ng, Wei Ming; Lim, JitKang; Chan, Derek Juinn Chieh; Ooi, Boon Seng

doi:10.1016/j.memsci.2021.119193

Cited by 17 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…By comparing the performance of the composite membranes with the reported thermoresponsive membranes, we find a similarity with the reported work on microgel based thermoresponsive membranes which can also change their performance when subjected to a thermal gradient 26,27 , although the reported membranes show higher water flux. Moreover, Lyly et al reported thermal cleaning efficiency of thermoresponsive membranes against model organic foulants such as BSA and SA in conjunction with thermal actuation 28,29 , a concept that is closest to our work since, although we use TS TBB crystals in a composite membrane to instigate thermal cleaning efficiency. Although, to the best of our knowledge, there are no prior reports on membranes based on the TS effect that would be compared directly to the materials reported here, in Supplementary Table 4 we compiled a comprehensive and exhaustive list of separation membranes.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 75%

“…Within the hybrid membrane approach, smart gating membranes have been prepared based on coupling of stimuli-responsive materials with traditional porous membranes 24 or by using surface functionalization 25 . Hydrogels have received a particular research attention, since they can be readily processed into switchable membranes with high permeation and ion rejection [26][27][28][29] .…”

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confidence: 99%

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Smart dynamic hybrid membranes with self-cleaning capability

Pantuso,

Ahmed,

Fontananova

et al. 2023

Nat Commun

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The growing freshwater scarcity has caused increased use of membrane desalination of seawater as a relatively sustainable technology that promises to provide long-term solution for the increasingly water-stressed world. However, the currently used membranes for desalination on an industrial scale are inevitably prone to fouling that results in decreased flux and necessity for periodic chemical cleaning, and incur unacceptably high energy cost while also leaving an environmental footprint with unforeseeable long-term consequences. This extant problem requires an immediate shift to smart separation approaches with self-cleaning capability for enhanced efficiency and prolonged operational lifetime. Here, we describe a conceptually innovative approach to the design of smart membranes where a dynamic functionality is added to the surface layer of otherwise static membranes by incorporating stimuli-responsive organic crystals. We demonstrate a gating effect in the resulting smart dynamic membranes, whereby mechanical instability caused by rapid mechanical response of the crystals to heating slightly above room temperature activates the membrane and effectively removes the foulants, thereby increasing the mass transfer and extending its operational lifetime. The approach proposed here sets a platform for the development of a variety of energy-efficient hybrid membranes for water desalination and other separation processes that are devoid of fouling issues and circumvents the necessity of chemical cleaning operations.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 75%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Smart dynamic hybrid membranes with self-cleaning capability

Pantuso,

Ahmed,

Fontananova

et al. 2023

Nat Commun

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“…Overall, the use of PES in combination with PTFE can lead to composite membranes with enhanced properties and improved performance in membrane distillation and other applications [23][24][25]. There have been many MD research efforts to understand how membrane properties affect the overall desalination attributes, and they have generally focused on the development of improved membrane materials [1,5,9,16,[36][37][38][39][40][41][42]. However, few articles have reported on the effects of PTFE particle size on salt rejection, flux, and desalination attributes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Enhancing Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic Dual-Layer Membranes for Membrane Distillation: The Influence of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Particle Size and Concentration

Al-Ogaili,

Othman,

Rava

et al. 2023

Sustainability

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This study assesses the effects of different polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particle sizes and concentrations on the performance of dual-layer membranes in direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD). Specifically, particle sizes of 0.5 μm, 1 μm, and 6 μm were systematically evaluated at concentrations of 0 wt%, 2 wt%, 4 wt%, and 6 wt%. Comprehensive analyses, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), liquid entry pressure (LEP), contact angle, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), atomic force microscopy (AFM), permeate flux, nitrogen gas permeation, and salt rejection, were employed to characterize the membranes. Under conditions of a feed temperature of 70 °C and a salt concentration of 8000 ppm for a 24 h duration, the results clearly indicated that a 0.5 μm PTFE particle size combined with a 6 wt% concentration exhibited the highest performance. This configuration achieved a permeate flux of 11 kg·m2/h and a salt rejection rate of 99.8%. The outcomes of this research have significant implications for the optimization of membranes used in DCMD applications, with potential benefits for sustainable water treatment and energy conservation.

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