title: Nano-WS2 embedded PES membrane with improved fouling and permselectivity.
abstract: The application of nanoparticles as additives in membrane synthesis for improving the resistance of membranes against fouling has triggered recent interest in new membrane types. However, most nanoparticle-enhanced membranes suffer from the tradeoff between permeability and selectivity. In this paper, nano-WS2 was explored as the additive in membrane synthesis by non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS). Blended PES-WS2 flat-sheet membranes with the incorporation of ultra-low concentrations of nanoparticles (from 0.025% to 0.25%, WS2/PES ratio) were manufactured and investigated in terms of permeability, fouling resistance and solute rejection. Remarkably, a significant enhancement in the permeability was observed as a result of the incorporation of ultra-low fractions of nano-WS2 to the membrane structure. The optimum permeability values were obtained for modified membranes with 0.075-0.10% nanoparticle/polymer concentration ratios. In general, fouling resistance and solute rejection were significantly enhanced by the incorporation of nanoparticles into the membrane structure. Specifically, fouling resistance increased by around 50%.
authors: Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium.
authors: Jiuyang
authors: J
authors: Lin
authors: Ruixin
authors: R
authors: Zhang
authors: Wenyuan
authors: W
authors: Ye
authors: Nora
authors: N
authors: Jullok
authors: Arcadio
authors: A
authors: Sotto
authors: Bart
authors: B
authors: Van der Bruggen
mesh_terms: D057219:Biofouling / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles; D010539:Permeability; D011108:Polymers; D016062:Porosity; D013440:Sulfides / Q000737:chemistry*; D013450:Sulfones; D017973:Tungsten Compounds / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D018508:Water Purification / Q000295:instrumentation
chemical_list: D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011108:Polymers; D013440:Sulfides; D013450:Sulfones; D017973:Tungsten Compounds; C022840:polyether sulfone