Reverse osmosis membrane modified by interfacial polymerization in non-polar heptane solvent assistance with acetone as a co-solvent

Abstract

The present work is focused on developing a suitable chemical membrane with polyamide, incorporating co-solvents. There are many benefits of using a membrane technique. It is cost-effective and can be fabricated easily and its materials have less effect on the environment. Therefore, the general membrane techniques have been used for the desalination of ocean water as a worldwide strategy to meet the demand for clean water. But in some cases the use of this membrane becomes limited when pore size, distribution of pores and low selectivity for pollutants/contaminants are considered. The fabrication of such a membrane with co-solvents is expected to lead to a solution to address some of these problems. In this study, a polyamide thin-film composite membrane was developed by interfacial polymerization in non-polar heptane solvent, using acetone as a co-solvent medium. The modified membranes were characterized by different techniques. Scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscopy images showed a smooth membrane surface. Thermo-gravimetric analysis indicated that these developed membranes possessed high thermal stability. High contact angles were observed in the presence of acetone as a co-solvent in the polyamide membrane. Similarly, high fluxes were observed with low salt rejection ability.

Constructing highly rough skin layer of thin film (nano)composite polyamide membranes to enhance separation performance: A review

“…The reactive monomers polymerize in the microdomain, which widens the reaction site and forms a wider PA film. Commonly used organic solvents added to the organic phase are acetone (AC), 26,49–53 propanone, butanone, 54 ethyl acetate, 53 diethyl ether, toluene, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), and N,N′‐dimethyl formamide (DMF) 26 in hexane, AC, ethyl acetate, and diethyl ether in dodecane, 55 and diethyl ether or ethyl acetate in heptane 56 . And some so‐solvents including DMSO, 47,57 methanol, 50 alcohols 58 and dimethyl sulfoxide 47,59 were added into aqueous phase.…”

Synthesis and characterization of reverse osmosis membranes modified with BaTiO3nanoparticles to improve performance

“…The valid membrane area in this system was 42 cm 2 . The Feed water temperature was 25°C with pH adjusted between 6-7, 2000 ppm feed NaCl and 1 gallons per minute (gpm) feed flow rate (AL-Hobaib et al [15]).…”