Robust fabrication of thin film polyamide-TiO2 nanocomposite membranes with enhanced thermal stability and anti-biofouling propensity

Abstract

The development of nano-enabled composite materials has led to a paradigm shift in the manufacture of high-performance nanocomposite membranes with enhanced permeation, thermo-mechanical, and antibacterial properties. The major challenges to the successful incorporation of nanoparticles (NPs) to polymer films are the severe aggregation of the NPs and the weak compatibility of NPs with polymers. These two phenomena lead to the formation of non-selective voids at the interface of the polymer and NPs, which adversely affect the separation performance of the membrane. To overcome these challenges, we have developed a new method for the fabrication of robust TFN reverse osmosis membranes. This approach relies on the simultaneous synthesis and surface functionalization of TiO2 NPs in an organic solvent (heptane) via biphasic solvothermal reaction. The resulting stable suspension of the TiO2 NPs in heptane was then utilized in the interfacial (in-situ) polymerization reaction where the NPs were entrapped within the matrix of the polyamide (PA) membrane. TiO2 NPs of 10 nm were effectively incorporated into the thin PA layer and improved the thermal stability and anti-biofouling properties of the resulting TFN membranes. These features make our synthesized membranes potential candidates for applications where the treatment of high-temperature streams containing biomaterials is desirable.

Nanocomposite hollow fiber nanofiltration membranes: Fabrication, characterization, and pilot‐scale evaluation for surface water treatment

“…TOC and UV 254 are both surrogates' measures of the organic matter in water; however, large aromatic compounds have UV 254 absorbance. Smaller aliphatic compounds have passed through the membrane at a faster rate than larger aliphatic compounds . Thus, TFN membranes do not reject smaller aliphatic compounds as well as the TFC membranes do.…”

The Key Role of Modifications in Biointerfaces toward Rendering Antibacterial and Antifouling Properties in Polymeric Membranes for Water Remediation: A Critical Assessment

“…Sustainable Syst. [64] Copyright 2018, Springer Nature. a) Conceptual model of water permeation in the UF versus RO membrane.…”

Boron removal and antifouling properties of thin‐film nanocomposite membrane incorporating PECVD‐modified titanate nanotubes

“…The researchers reported that the newly developed TFN membranes could attain excellent water permeability without compromising membrane selectivity. Other hydrophilic nanofillers that are capable of improving the surface chemistry of RO membrane include silica (SiO 2 ), titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), graphene oxide (GO) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) …”

“…Other hydrophilic nanofillers that are capable of improving the surface chemistry of RO membrane include silica (SiO 2 ), titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), graphene oxide (GO) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). [22][23][24][25] Recently, titanate nanotubes (TNTs) synthesized via the hydrothermal method using TiO 2 nanoparticles as precursors have drawn great attention from researchers. TNT is well known for its strong oxidative power, biological and chemical inertness, and good stability towards chemical corrosion.…”