Surface-Dissociated Nanoparticle Draw Solutions in Forward Osmosis and the Regeneration in an Integrated Electric Field and Nanofiltration System

Abstract

Draw solutions of surface-dissociated nanoparticles in forward osmosis (FO) processes and their regeneration through an integrated electric field-nanofiltration system for water reclamation were explored for the first time. Nanoparticles of 20 nm in diameter were functionalized with different surface chemistries to systematically investigate the effects on the FO performance. Experimental results showed that the draw solutions of surface-dissociated nanoparticle prepared with alkalis exhibited higher osmotic driving forces. Compared to salt base draw solutes, the advantage of surface-dissociated nanoparticle draw solutes exhibits no reverse flux across the FO membrane. The diluted draw solution of surface-dissociated nanoparticles can be readily recovered via an integrated electric field and nanofiltration system with sustainable regeneration efficiency. Our preliminary results suggest the potential of surface-dissociated nanoparticles as draw solutes in FO for water reuse.

Novel carboxyethyl amine sodium salts as draw solutes with superior forward osmosis performance

“…Draw solution recovery is a critical issue in FO process. NF technology, one of membrane‐based techniques, has been extensively reported to reconcentrate draw solutions in many previous works . Especially in the FO‐NF hybrid system, the diluted draw solution in FO process can be reconcentrated by NF process continuously, therefore, avoiding the negative effect of the concentration dilution with time on the FO performance.…”

Desalination techniques — A review of the opportunities for desalination in agriculture

“…For FO the challenge of new draw solutions needs to be centred on compounds that are of small enough molecular size to generate high osmotic pressures, yet are easily recoverable [60][61][62]. Magnetic nanoparticles are one possibility for achieving simple recovery [62,73].…”

Water desalination by forward (direct) osmosis phenomenon: A comprehensive review

“…Regeneration was performed using pressure-driven UF process. Also, Ling and Chung [218] used draw solutions of surface-dissociated nanoparticle. However, in this case, regeneration required integrated electric field and pressuredriven NF system.…”