Ionic fluid as a novel cleaning agent for the control of irreversible fouling in reverse osmosis membrane processes

Choi, Seung-Ju; Kim, Sangsik; Im, Sung-Ju; Jang, Am; Hwang, Dong Soo; Kang, Seoktae

doi:10.1016/j.watres.2022.119063

Cited by 16 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…The EMIM of 1,3-dialkyl-imidazolium and TBA of tetraalkyl-ammonium are NR 4 + cations, which are generally kosmotropes and are considered strong cationic sources for cation−π interactions in aqueous solutions. , However, the results of the solubility test and cohesion measurement imply that only the EMIM cation has a strong interaction with HA, which appears to have an advantage over HA cohesion. The interpretation of this experiment can be explained in terms of the molecular mechanism of HA removal.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Cation−π Interactions Contribute to Hydrophobic Humic Acid Removal for the Control of Hydraulically Irreversible Membrane Fouling

Park

Choi

Lee

et al. 2023

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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Hydraulically irreversible membrane fouling is a major problem encountered during membrane-based water purification. Membrane foulants present large hydrophobic fractions, with humic acid (HA) being a prevalent example of hydrophobic natural organic matter. Furthermore, HA contains numerous aromatic rings (π electrons), and its hydrophobic interactions are a major cause of irreversible membrane fouling. To address this issue, in this study, we used the cation−π interaction, which is a strong noncovalent, competitive interaction present in water. Because the strength of cation−π interactions depends on the combination of cations and π molecules, utilizing the appropriate cations will effectively remove irreversible fouling caused by hydrophobic HA. We performed macroscale experiments to determine the cleaning potential of the test cations, nanomechanically analyzed the changes in HA cohesion caused by the test cations using a surface force apparatus and an atomic force microscope, and used molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the HA removal mechanism of test studied cations. We found that the addition of 1-ethyl-3methylimidazolium, an imidazolium cation with an aromatic moiety, effectively removed the HA layer by weakening its cohesion, and the size, hydrophobicity, and polarity of the HA layer synergistically affected the HA removal mechanism based on the cation−π interactions.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…AFM adhesion force measurements were performed in a fluid cell using the liquid-drop−merge method, based on a previous study. 40 The test solutions were dropped on both the fluid cell and membrane surface. After 30 min of equilibration with each solution, force measurements were performed.…”

Section: ■ Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cation−π Interactions Contribute to Hydrophobic Humic Acid Removal for the Control of Hydraulically Irreversible Membrane Fouling

Park

Choi

Lee

et al. 2023

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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“…This is achieved through the interaction of a cantilever probe with the surface to be studied [ 35 ]. Thus, AFM has previously been used in RO systems to evaluate physical changes on the surfaces of ROMs [ 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ], with the performance of ROMs considerably depending on their physical–chemical properties, which decrease in the presence of biofouling. A previous study by [ 41 ] indicated that biofouling produces topographical differences in ROMs, demonstrating that this biological event has adverse effects on desalination systems and their permeate production processes.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Use of Alteromonas sp. Ni1-LEM Supernatant as a Cleaning Agent for Reverse-Osmosis Membranes (ROMs) from a Desalination Plant in Northern Chile Affected by Biofouling

2023

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Biofouling refers to the undesirable growth of microorganisms on water-submerged surfaces. Microfouling, the initial state of biofouling, is characterized by aggregates of microbial cells enclosed in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs). In seawater desalination plants, filtration systems, such as reverse-osmosis membranes (ROMs), are affected by microfouling, which decreases their efficiency in obtaining permeate water. The existing chemical and physical treatments are expensive and ineffective; therefore, controlling microfouling on ROMs is a considerable challenge. Thus, new approaches are necessary to improve the current ROM cleaning treatments. This study demonstrates the application of Alteromonas sp. Ni1-LEM supernatant as a cleaning agent for ROMs in a desalination seawater plant in northern Chile (Aguas Antofagasta S.A.), which is responsible for supplying drinking water to the city of Antofagasta. ROMs treated with Altermonas sp. Ni1-LEM supernatant exhibited statistically significant results (p < 0.05) in terms of seawater permeability (Pi), permeability recovery (PR), and the conductivity of permeated water compared with control biofouling ROMs and those treated with the chemical cleaning protocol applied by the Aguas Antofagasta S.A. desalination plant.

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The Mechanism of Whey Protein on Membrane Surface Fouling During Ultrafiltration Process

Wang,

Zhou,

et al. 2023

Food Biophysics

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Ionic fluid as a novel cleaning agent for the control of irreversible fouling in reverse osmosis membrane processes

Cited by 16 publications

References 44 publications

Cation−π Interactions Contribute to Hydrophobic Humic Acid Removal for the Control of Hydraulically Irreversible Membrane Fouling

Cation−π Interactions Contribute to Hydrophobic Humic Acid Removal for the Control of Hydraulically Irreversible Membrane Fouling

Use of Alteromonas sp. Ni1-LEM Supernatant as a Cleaning Agent for Reverse-Osmosis Membranes (ROMs) from a Desalination Plant in Northern Chile Affected by Biofouling

The Mechanism of Whey Protein on Membrane Surface Fouling During Ultrafiltration Process

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