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Tuning the permselectivity of polymeric desalination membranes via control of polymer crystallite size

Author

Listed:
  • Xinglin Lu

    (Yale University
    Harbin Institute of Technology)

  • Xunda Feng

    (Yale University
    Donghua University)

  • Yi Yang

    (Harbin Institute of Technology)

  • Jin Jiang

    (Harbin Institute of Technology)

  • Wei Cheng

    (Harbin Institute of Technology)

  • Caihong Liu

    (Harbin Institute of Technology)

  • Manesh Gopinadhan

    (Yale University)

  • Chinedum O. Osuji

    (Yale University)

  • Jun Ma

    (Harbin Institute of Technology)

  • Menachem Elimelech

    (Yale University)

Abstract

Membrane desalination is a leading technology for treating saline waters to augment fresh water supply. The need for high-performance desalination membranes, particularly with high water/salt selectivity, has stimulated research into the fundamental structure-property-performance relationship of state-of-the-art membranes. In this study, we utilize a facile method for tuning properties of a polymeric desalination membrane to shed light on water and salt transport mechanisms of such membranes. A desalination membrane made of cellulose triacetate is treated in a plasticizer solution, followed by water rinsing. The modified membranes exhibit reduced salt flux without compromising water flux, indicating enhanced water/salt selectivity. An inspection of material characteristics using a model film system reveals a plasticizing-extracting process in changing the polymeric structure, which leads to the reduction of crystallite size in the polymer matrix, consequently affecting the transport properties of the membranes. Our findings highlight the potential of the plasticizing-extracting process in fabricating membranes with desired desalination performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Xinglin Lu & Xunda Feng & Yi Yang & Jin Jiang & Wei Cheng & Caihong Liu & Manesh Gopinadhan & Chinedum O. Osuji & Jun Ma & Menachem Elimelech, 2019. "Tuning the permselectivity of polymeric desalination membranes via control of polymer crystallite size," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:10:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-019-10132-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10132-0
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