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This study investigated the stability of the aquaporin-based biomimetic (ABM) membrane and its long-term reverse osmosis (RO) performance. A series of experiments showed that the ABM membranes exhibited good chemical stability after soaking in three commonly used chemical cleaning agents, namely ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and citric acid, respectively. In addition, it was found that both water permeability (flux per unit applied pressure) and solute rejection of ABM membranes are sensitive to the temperature and applied pressure. In the long-term RO performance evaluation, a real RO feed water from water reclamation process was used as feed; this is the first reported application of real RO feed water to ABM membranes. The membranes were periodically cleaned and the recovery of water permeability of the ABM membranes was found to be greater than 90%. The quality of the water permeate exceeded the World Health Organisation standard for drinking water. Compared with a commercial RO membrane, the ABM membrane only needed half of the applied pressure to achieve the same water flux, suggesting the advantage and potential of ABM membranes to reduce energy consumption in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we demonstrated the effectiveness of using spray-assisted interfacial polymerization (IP) technique in fabricating liposome-integrated thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes for seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO). The liposome loading within the selective polyamide (PA) layer of the TFN membrane can be precisely controlled by manipulating spraying conditions to eliminate the wastage of precious additives compared to the conventional blending method. Spraying the liposomes after applying the aqueous phase of M -phenylenediamine (MPD) could prevent the loss and disruption of liposome distribution over the substrate layer. Upon incorporating 4 mg/m2 of liposomes, the best-performing S4-a membrane is able to achieve 27% higher water permeability than the liposome-free membrane, demonstrating a permeability of 3.24 L/m2·h·bar along with 99.3% NaCl rejection for seawater desalination. Characterization showed that dynamic liposomes had affected the IP process by creating a larger miscible reaction zone for IP, which led to the formation of a rougher PA surface with more nanovoids in the ultra-thin selective layer, thus, contributing to higher effective surface area and less hydraulic resistance for improving water permeability. An additional PVA layer was coated atop the liposome-integrated membrane to effectively improve the membrane stability and fouling resistance, leading to a comparable level of salt rejection with the state-of-the-art commercial membranes in treating real seawater, while water permeability was enhanced by 26–185%. This work presents a readily scalable spray-assisted IP technique to fabricate liposome-integrated SWRO membrane for seawater desalination. [Display omitted] • DOPC liposomes were integrated into PA layer via spray-assisted IP approach. • Spraying DOPC liposomes after aqueous phase of IP ensured precise control of liposome amount. • DOPC liposomes resulted in forming a rougher PA surface with larger nanovoids. • The best membrane exhibited 3.24 L/m2·h·bar permeability with 99.3% NaCl rejection. • PVA coated liposome-integrated membrane demonstrated excellent stability and fouling resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Among four membrane distillation (MD) configurations, direct contact MD (DCMD) and vacuum MD (VMD) exhibit attractive characteristics from different perspectives and have great potential in treating reverse osmosis (RO) brine. Aiming at establishing a quick approach to predict the key output parameters associated with MD module performance and process efficiency, Aspen plus was employed to conduct systematic evaluation for both DCMD and VMD. Due to the lack of built-in MD operation models in Aspen Plus, one dimensional transport models were developed and complied as user customized units to simulate the hollow fiber-based DCMD and VMD modules. The corresponding programming was coded in FORTRAN language. The mathematical models for DCMD and VMD were verified by comparing the simulations results with the experimental and literature data, respectively. By incorporating the boundary-layer effect into the newly-established transport models, steady-state simulations of the respective DCMD and VMD flowsheets were carried out. The results showed that the DCMD presented much lower process efficiency than VMD in terms of permeation flux and specific energy consumption per kg distillate generated, even though it is considered as the simplest and most commonly employed configuration. With the same module specifications and operating conditions at equivalent energy cost, the VMD system demonstrated a minimal 2.5-fold higher average vapor flux (e.g., water recovery capacity) when compared to DCMD. The fundamental difference between the two configurations was revealed through MD mass- and heat-transfer analysis. Based on simulated temperature profiles, it was found that the VMD configuration presented a much higher driving force (transmembrane temperature difference) and negligible conductive heat loss to the membrane, which is a promising feature for achieving high thermal efficiency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recent studies have confirmed the advantages of low-pressure nanofiltration (NF) membranes in integrated nanofiltration membrane bioreactor system followed by the reverse osmosis (RO) process for high recovery water reclamation. However, fouling of low-pressure NF membranes restricts their application in providing high quality feed to subsequent RO process. In this study, an antifouling low-pressure NF membrane was designed and fabricated via rapid co-deposition of polydopamine (PDA)/polyethylenimine (PEI) on electrostatic layer-by-layer (LBL) assembled polyethersulfone (PES) flat sheet membrane followed by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde. The optimized resultant membrane (LBL-cPP) presented approximately 11 LMH/bar pure water permeability with more than 90% rejection divalent cations under 2 bar pressure. The newly developed selective layer exhibited excellent antifouling performance and chemical stability ascribing to the inherent hydrophilicity of PDA/PEI and dual covalent reaction of PDA with the LBL layer. By feeding real municipal wastewater, the LBL-cPP membrane also achieved superior permeate quality, leading to lower RO fouling rate in subsequent RO unit as compared to commercial NF 270 membrane. Further organic foulant analysis indicated that 96.8% of dissolved organic carbons were effectively removed by the LBL-cPP membrane. Specifically, the novel NF membrane demonstrated high removal rate (>93%) for foulants with low molecular weights which was largely responsible for RO fouling, while maintaining the desired flux recovery rate and reduced cleaning frequency. This study demonstrates the potential of PDA/PEI modified low-pressure NF membranes in designing efficient and sustainable water reclamation technology. Image 1 • Novel low-pressure antifouling NF membrane was designed. • The selective layer was formed by co-deposition of PDA/PEI on LBL assembly layer. • Structural stability was improved via electrostatic and covalent interactions. • The developed NF membrane exhibited enhanced hydrophilicity and cations rejection. • Antifouling ability in water reclamation was evaluated with municipal wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new class of thin film nanocomposite (TFN) hollow fiber (HF) membrane of polydopamine (PDA) modified HKUST-1 (mHKUST-1) incorporated in polyamide (PA) matrix supported by polyethersulfone (PES) substrate was constructed via interfacial polymerization method for brackish water desalination in low-pressure reverse osmosis (RO) process. The PDA modification facilitated the HKUST-1 even dispersion, thus resulting in better compatibility between the inorganic nanofillers and the organic matrix. The impact of HKUST-1 loadings on the overall performances of the resultant HKUST-1@PA/PES membranes was investigated. Introducing the mHKUST-1 nanofillers not only enhanced surface hydrophilicity and negative surface charges for the selective layer, which improved membrane's fouling resistance to humic acid (HA), but also led to nearly doubled water permeance when comparing with the pristine PA membrane (increasing from 3.51 to 6.94 Lm−2h-1bar−1), without obvious salt rejection deterioration (~98.2% at 2 bar and 97.4% rejections at 4 bar for 500/2000 ppm NaCl solutions, respectively). The integrity of the HKUST-1@PA/PES membrane was examined and verified after 30-days operation. Overall, the results achieved in this work demonstrate promising potential of the metal organic framework (MOF)-based TFN membranes used for desalination in low-pressure RO process. To sum up, this work has exhibited a facile method to incorporate the metal organic framework (MOF) into the PA layer, and the resultant MOF-based TFN membrane indicates its great potential for desalination in low-pressure RO process. • A thin film nanocomposite hollow fiber membrane was constructed via interfacial polymerization. • Polydopamine (PDA) modified HKUST-1 was incorporated in polyamide matrix supported by polyethersulfone substrate. • The PDA modification facilitated the HKUST-1 even dispersion in PA matrix, without the formation of defects. • A water permeability of 6.94 Lm−2h-1bar−1 and 97.4% rejections at 4 bar for 2000 ppm NaCl solution were achieved. • The long-term stability test verified the good integrity of the HKUST-1@PA/PES membranes after 30-days operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymersomes-based reverse osmosis (RO) membrane (PBM) for desalination was reported for the first time. An amphiphilic tri-block copolymer, PMOXA 6 -PDMS 35 -PMOXA 6 (ABA) , was self-assembled to form polymersomes with spherical nanostructure. The polymersomes were then immobilized into a polyamide network via an interfacial polymerization reaction on top of polysulfone membrane substrate. Under a moderate salinity condition, the PBM presented almost doubled water permeability and higher salt rejection than the control membrane without polymersomes in the polyamide network. Based on the results of a series of characterization the better water permeation of the PBM is believed to result from larger globular features containing highly water permeable polymersomes, which created a higher void fraction in the selective layer, whereas the highly cross-linked polyamide selective layer as well as the polymersome bilayer’s impermeability to NaCl may led to the enhanced salt rejection. Surprisingly, at an elevated NaCl concentration up to 32,000 ppm, the PBM exhibited ~ 60% water flux enhancement and even better NaCl rejection as compared with commercial seawater RO membranes. In general, the PBM presented a water flux similar to the RO membranes with loose polyamide matrix (BW30), but a rejection behavior close to the dense RO membranes (SW30). This study provides a paradigm shift in developing new-generation RO membranes for energy and cost-effective desalination process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing a reverse osmosis membrane with desirable water/salt selectivity and boron removal has been recognized as crucial for high-efficient seawater desalination. Herein, fluorinated seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) membranes were fabricated via fluorine-containing monomers-mediated interfacial polymerization or surface modification by grafting fluorine-containing monomers atop nascent polyamide (PA) layer via a second interfacial reaction. The fluorinated molecules, 5-(trifluoromethyl)-1.3-phenylenediamine (TFPD), 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzoyl chloride (TFBC) or 2,2,2-trifluoroethylamine (TFEA), were confirmedly integrated into the PA matrix presumably via strong chemical covalent bonds, which manipulated the physicochemical properties of the PA layer, including surface hydrophilicity, pore size distribution, cross-linking degree and interactions between membrane and solutes, thereby producing a high-selectivity thin-film composite (TFC) membrane. The optimized membranes, i.e. , TFC-TFPD, TFC-TFBC and TFC-TFEA, presented significantly excellent separation performance than the control and commercial membrane, both in water/salt selectivity and boron removal capability, accompanied by a comparable water permeance. Among the three proposed incorporation method of fluorinated monomers, direct grafting of TFEA upon the nascent PA layer demonstrates the best efficiency in introducing fluorine elements in the TFC PA membranes, compared to the addition of TFPD and TFBC into aqueous and organic phases during IP process, respectively. The fluorine-incorporated strategy employed in this present work offered a new design of the PA layer containing fluorinated molecules to obtain the desired permselectivity of TFC SWRO membranes towards efficient removal of salt and boron acid in seawater desalination. [Display omitted] • The fluorinated PA-based TFC SWRO membranes were successfully developed. • The fluorine-containing monomers were covalently bonded with PA matrix without sacrificing its integrity. • The incorporation of fluorine elements effectively regulated physicochemical properties of the PA layer. • The in-situ integrated fluorine components enabled high-efficient water/salt selectivity and boron removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we explored the practicability of a nanochannel-based biomimetic membrane (NBM) incorporating pillar[5]arene water channels for seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination. Two classes of peptide-attached biomimetic channels, (pR)-pillar[5]arenes (pRPH) and (pS)-pillar[5]arenes (pSPH) were integrated into the selective layer of SWRO membranes via interfacial polymerization on the top side of a polysulfone (PSf) support membrane. Here, pSPH is a non-identical stereoisomer of pRPH and was used as a negative control to pRPH to elucidate the flux enhancement effect contributed by pRPH. The optimized NBM presented a water permeability of 2.52 L m-2 h-1 bar-1 and 99.5% rejection under SWRO testing conditions of 50 bar applied pressure and 32,000 mg/L NaCl as feed solution. The 62% permeability increment with reference to the control membrane is hypothesized to originate from hybrid polyamide layers that were rougher with more voids (higher effective surface area and lower hydraulic resistance for water transport) as well as the conceivable water transport pathways provided by the pRPH channels. The simulation results from module-scale modelling suggest that the optimized NBM could lead to 7.2% savings in specific energy consumption of the membrane unit stage (or reduce the required membrane area by 25%) with respect to the commercial SWC4-LD membrane. The performance of the optimized NBM was further assessed in a one-week desalination test using an actual seawater feed gathered from an SWRO plant in Singapore. The robust NBM exhibited stable performance and ∼28% higher water flux (42 L m-2 h-1) than SWC4-LD with a comparable rejection of 99.3%, suggesting the feasibility of pillar[5]arene-based biomimetic membranes for seawater desalination. [Display omitted] • pRPH nanochannel-based biomimetic membrane (NBM) was used for SWRO application. • pRPH channels were incorporated into the PA layer via interfacial polymerization. • High permeability of 2.52 Lm-2h-1bar-1 (99.5% NaCl rejection) was reported in SWRO. • The energy and footprint savings achievable was quantified by module-scale modelling. • The NBM exhibited stable flux in a 7-day desalination test using real seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin film composite (TFC) polyamide (PA) membranes experience compaction at high pressure applications, resulting in the reduction in water permeability. However, the compaction mechanism is still unclear especially for different PA morphologies and substrate structures. In this work, we systematically studied the compaction of TFC PA membranes with different structures and morphologies. We first examined 2 main types of commercial reverse osmosis (RO) membranes: brackish water RO and seawater RO membranes. After that, we synthesised four types of TFC membranes with tailored PA and substrate structures to further understand the compaction behaviors. TFC membrane with a PA layer of low protuberances or nodules and dense substrate showed excellent resistance against high pressure (50 bar), with only a slight irreversible decrease of 2.1–3.5% in water permeability when retested at 5 bar. However, the PA layer of high protuberances experienced significant compaction even when it was supported by a similar dense substrate. The permeability of the TFC membrane decreased ∼10% as a result of the decrease in the effective area of the active layer. On the other hand, the TFC membrane with a PA layer of low protuberances formed atop a loose substrate showed a greater decrease (∼18.5%) in water permeability. The densified skin layer and collapsed macro-voids within the loose substrate resulted in a ∼40% decrease in the overall height of the PA layer and a 65% decline in substrate surface porosity, respectively, which are identified as the reasons for the reducing water permeability. Notably, the water-salt selectivity of this particular membrane was seriously deteriorated after compaction due to the presence of subtle defects in the PA layer caused by the drastic deformation of the loose substrate. This work deepens the understanding of the compaction behaviors of TFC PA membranes, providing a clear fundamental guidance on designing membranes applied at high operating pressures. [Display omitted] • The compaction of TFC PA membranes with different PA and substrate structures at 50-bar hydraulic pressure was investigated. • The high protuberances on the PA layer were compressed at 50 bar, resulting in an apparent decline in water permeability. • A porous substrate resulted in the decreases of water permeability and selectivity simultaneously after membrane compaction. • A TFC membrane with a low-protuberance PA layer and dense substrate is suitable for use in high-pressure processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of co-solvents in aqueous or organic phases of interfacial polymerization is a feasible strategy to tune the performance of aromatic polyamide (PA) thin-film composite (TFC) membrane for brackish water desalination, however, limited progress has been made in developing co-solvent-tailored seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) membrane. Herein, SWRO membranes were prepared by adding various types of aqueous and organic co-solvents to reveal their impacts on the formation of the PA crumples. It was found that the aqueous/organic co-solvents affected the solubility parameter distance and interfacial tension between two immiscible phases, facilitating the diamine diffusion rate and resulting in a significant change in PA structure. The PA layer with modulated microstructure and varied surface features such as widened void structure, rougher surface, better wettability, and controlled cross-linking degree can be derived from the high interfacial instability that existed between the co-solvent and initial PA film due to the close mutual affinity. Besides, the additional polyvinyl alcohol coating layer atop the PA membrane successfully further enhanced the membrane selectivity. Overall, the mechanistic insights attained in this study revealed the relationship of diamine diffusion, physicochemical properties of PA layer and membrane separation performance for co-solvent-assisted membrane fabrication to render resultant SWRO membrane with more comparable permselectivity. The optimized TFC-SWRO membranes exhibited pure water permeability of 2.2 and 3.2 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 upon the assistance of aqueous and organic co-solvents, respectively, while maintaining excellent NaCl rejection of approximately 99% under seawater desalination tests. [Display omitted] ✓ Aqueous or organic co-solvents were used aiming to flexibly design high-performance SWRO membrane. ✓ The synergistic impacts of solubility parameter and interfacial tension were established to elucidate diamine diffusion behavior. ✓ The relationship of "monomer diffusion - structure property - separation performance" was elaborated. ✓ The formation of a PVA coating layer enhanced the selectivity of co-solvent-assisted SWRO membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A scaled-up hollow fibre thin-film composite (TFC) module was successfully developed for organic solvent forward osmosis (OSFO) application in the pharmaceutical industry. The membrane consists of cross-linked P84 polyimide substrate with a polyamide selective layer, formed via interfacial polymerisation. The performance of the lab-scale module was compared to the scaled-up module in reverse osmosis and forward osmosis modes. The results from both tests revealed that the solvent permeability of the scaled-up module decreased while its selectivity increased slightly. This might be caused by the uneven distribution of liquids during interfacial polymerisation, leading to varied membrane performance. The scaled-up module was further tested for OSFO performance using a range of PEG-400 concentrations (0.5–2 M) in acetone and isopropanol as draw solutions. At 2 M PEG-400 concentration, the module demonstrated high isopropanol and acetone permeability of 0.63 LMH and 13.9 LMH, respectively. Moreover, the reverse solute flux of PEG-400 in acetone and isopropanol were relatively low at 0.188 g/l and 0.153 g/l, respectively. The module was further tested for OSFO application in the pharmaceutical industry by concentrating levofloxacin in acetone, using 2 M PEG-400 as draw solution. The process was able to concentrate levofloxacin from 1000 ppm to 16,000 ppm with very low reverse solute flux of 0.178 g/l. Therefore, this work presents a scalable TFC membrane for OSFO application in the pharmaceutical industry. [Display omitted] • Scaled-up module (0.4 m2) of TFC hollow fibre membrane for organic solvent forward osmosis process was successfully fabricated. • High porosity (79%) and low structural parameter (217 μm) for membrane substrate was achieved. • Membrane exhibited excellent acetone and IPA solvent flux of 13.9 LMH and 0.63 LMH, respectively, using a 2 M PEG-400 draw solution. • A pharmaceutical stream was concentrated to a factor of 16 with low specific reverse solute flux [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoscale characteristics of the polyamide layer are key towards the high desalination performance of thin-film composite reverse osmosis (TFC-RO) membranes. Further advancements in the performance of TFC membranes necessitate a comprehensive understanding of the desired polyamide characteristics and its formation mechanisms. Empirical evidence has shown that the properties of the support layer is as equally important as the interfacial polymerization (IP) conditions in the fabrication of high permselectivity TFC membranes for desalination. Herein, we discuss the properties of polyamide layers formed using identical IP conditions over support membranes of different polymers and chemistries (polyethersulfone, polyetherimide and polysulfone) under fairly similar surface pore properties. The characteristics of the polyamide layers formed thereon displayed different physicochemical properties. It is postulated that the support membrane chemistry actually affects the IP reaction and polyamide formation by controlling the amine diffusion speed as well as the breadth of the IP reaction zone (i.e., the region between the interface and the furthest point in which the reaction occurs). Transmission electron microscopy analyses further revealed the nanoscale differences in the polyamide layer (heights ranging from 50 to 200 nm), including intrinsic thickness of basal layer (~10–35 nm) and leaf-like top layer (~20–85 nm), as well as the presence of nanovoids. Finally, we propose a conceptual model to underline the role of support membrane chemistry in the IP reaction, and consequently the formation mechanism of the nanoscale polyamide features. The mechanistic insights from this study are expected to provide more understanding towards a better control over the fabrication of polyamide layers for TFC membranes. The findings in this work are also expected to facilitate tailoring polyamide layers for specific osmotically driven processes. [Display omitted] • Support membrane chemistry affects MPD diffusion and partitioning extent in IP. • TEM and SEM analyses revealed changes in the polyamide (PA) nanoscale morphology. • PA layer of TFC-PES membrane was thin and smooth without any nanovoids. • PA layer of TFC-PSf membrane had thick base, thin leaves and multi-layer nanovoids. • PA layer of TFC-PEI membrane had thin basal layer with clumpy roof-like top layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research pays much attention to the correlations between structural properties of porous substrate and the separation performance of polyamide (PA) thin film composite (TFC) membrane prepared by interfacial polymerization (IP). However, there are limited studies focused on seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) membrane preparation and optimization. This study reveals profound impacts of substrate surface properties on the separation properties of SWRO membranes, by using different substrates including commercial ultrafiltration (UF) membrane, lab-scale casted polysulfone (PSF) substrate and pilot-scale casted PSF substrates. We demonstrate that the membrane substrates casted using pilot-scale machine led to better SWRO performance than hydrophilic UF membrane or lab-scale casted substrate; and very different SWRO membranes could be made from pilot-scale substrates casted using the same polymer dope solution. These results showed that a high-performance SWRO membrane relies on appropriate substrate possessing the surface properties of relatively hydrophobic, small surface pore size (20-35 nm) and high surface porosity, which directly affect the supply and transport rate of amine for the IP reaction. Our best SWRO membrane exhibits an excellent NaCl rejection of 99.5% together with high water permeance of 1.72 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 under seawater desalination conditions. This work helps pave the way for substrate selection for SWRO membrane fabrication, narrowing the gap between lab-made and commercial SWRO membranes. [Display omitted] • Substrates with tuned surface properties were used to tailor SWRO membrane performance. • PSF substrates casted by a pilot-scale machine exhibited better SWRO performance. • The best-performing membrane demonstrated water permeance of 1.72 Lm−2h−1bar−1 and rejection of 99.5%. • Hydrophobic substrate of small surface pore size and high surface porosity was important for making excellent SWRO membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) is the key technology driving an energy-efficient and cost-effective desalination process. At the center of this technology are the thin film composite (TFC) membranes, which not only promise a stable operation but also high separation performances. The objective of this review is to consolidate recent advances in SWRO membranes from the standpoint of membrane materials, fabrication methodologies and applications. First, the thermodynamic limit and energy consumption of SWRO desalination are reviewed, before we discuss the current status of SWRO membranes, highlighting the four main challenges to date – permselective tradeoff, relatively low single-pass boron rejection, membrane fouling and poor chlorine resistance. Thereafter, a comprehensive review of the membrane development is presented. We examine findings reported in research papers and patents, and various methods to achieve SWRO membranes of higher permselectivity, boron rejection, and chlorine resistance as well as lower fouling propensity. Key insights from the membrane industry are also furnished. Then, we put together an outlook, featuring our perspectives on SWRO membrane development. Empirical data in this review are collated into an upper-bound relationship, which is tailored specifically for SWRO membranes and expected to provide benchmarking for future SWRO membrane development. Since the traits of SWRO membranes are unique from those of brackish water RO (BWRO) membranes, we also distinguish the methods used for SWRO membrane fabrication to help zero in on the correct strategies, and provide insights for advancing new membrane designs. Overall, this review sums up the current state-of-the-art SWRO membranes, looking at the array of fabrication methods used thus far, and putting into perspective critical strategies to realize the next-generation TFC membranes that can address the future demands of SWRO and deliver a more competitive desalination process. [Display omitted] • Recent advances in SWRO membrane are collated from papers and industrial patents. • Current status and future outlook of SWRO membrane industry are discussed. • A permselectivity upper bound is established specifically for SWRO membranes. • The upper bound is given by A/B = 46.75 A −1.72 (A/B in bar−1 and A in Lm−2h−1 bar−1). • A roadmap for SWRO membrane fabrication is proposed (short/long-term strategies). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the feasibility and performance of a nanochannel-based biomimetic membrane (NBM) for brackish reverse osmosis (RO) desalination. Two types of peptide-attached synthetic nanochannels, (pR)-pillar[5]arenes (pRPH) and (pS)-pillar[5]arenes (pSPH), were incorporated into liposomes. pSPH is a diastereomer of pRPH and was used as a negative control (i.e. mutant) to pRPH in this work. The nanochannel-containing liposomes (e.g. pRPH-liposomes) were then immobilized into the active layer of the RO membranes via in situ interfacial polymerization on the top of a polysulfone support membrane to form NBM-pRPH membranes. To maximize the potential and benefits of the NBM-pRPH membrane, the physical characteristics of the polyamide layer was further tuned using some additives and the eventual membrane was named as NBM-pRPH-A. The NBM-pRPH-A membrane exhibited a water permeability of 6.09 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 and 98.2% NaCl rejection under a 15.5 bar applied pressure using 2000 mg L−1 as feed solution. The 62% flux increment with respect to the pristine control is postulated to arise from a thinner, less cross-linked (more free volume) and more hydrophilic active layer as well as the possible supplementary transport pathways of the pRPH-liposomes. The performance of the NBMs under differential feed pressures and temperatures further exemplifies the water permeation property of the pRPH nanochannels. Accordingly, the NBM-pRPH-A gave a water permeability higher than commercial RO membranes tested in this work (DuPont BW30 and Hydranautics ESPA2) as well as other RO membranes reported in the literature. This study provides a tangible foundation for the development of NBMs for brackish RO desalination. [Display omitted] • Synthetic pRPH nanochannel-based biomimetic membrane was used for BWRO application. • pRPH-liposomes were incorporated onto the PA layer via interfacial polymerization. • STEM-EDX analysis revealed the existence of liposomes in the PA layer. • High permeability of 6.09 Lm−2h−1bar−1 (98.2% NaCl rejection) was reported in BWRO. • RO tests under increasing ΔP and temperature suggested water transport across pRPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of many efforts to grasp the nature of porous nanomaterials, it is hard to find research work addressing empirical evidence for selective water permeation through their channels or pores. Herein, we report the experimental proof of selective water permeation through cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) with a portal diameter of 3.9 Å along with quantum mechanics calculation results elucidating the mechanisms underlying the selective water transport. CB[6] improved the water/salt permselectivity of CB[6]-polyamide thin-film nanocomposite (CB[6]-TFN) membranes since ion passage was inhibited by a high energy barrier imposed by the CB[6]'s portals while the portals are energetically favorable from the perspective of water transport. This difference in water and salt's permeabilities stems from its carbonyl-fringed portals, which are cut out for size exclusion and negatively charged for charge repulsion. Due to the rigidity, CB[6]-TFN membranes were found to be more resistant to compaction under elevated pressures. Such unique characteristics of CB[6] allowed CB[6]-TFN membranes to outperform newly developed TFN membranes as well as commercial RO membranes. Image 1 • CB[6] (Cucurbit[6]uril) is suitable for water transport while preventing ion passage. • The carbonyl-fringed portals have the right dimension for size exclusion. • The carbonyl-fringed portals are negatively charged for charge repulsion. • CB[6] improved the permselectivity of thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes. • A CB[6]-TFN membrane was more resistant to compaction due to the rigidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although a highly porous support membrane has attracted increasing attention as an alternative to enhance the water permeability of a thin-film composite (TFC) membrane without compromising salt rejection, its feasibility has not ever been tested in seawater desalination. This study explored the availability and potential of a highly porous microstructured (HPμS) support membrane as a support for a seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) membrane. Our lab-made membranes, TFC-HPμS, exhibited a higher water permeability of 1.62 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 as compared with most of the state-of-the-art SWRO membranes recently reported in the literature, while achieving comparable NaCl rejection (99%) in SWRO test condition (55 bar, 35,000 mg L−1 of NaCl). This excellent performance is thought to stem from the HPμS support endowing a TFC membrane with comparable mechanical properties to that of existing support used for conventional SWRO membrane and shortened effective diffusion pathway of water molecules over the active layer. The robustness and enhanced mechanical strength of the TFC-HPμS membrane are attributed to its narrow and regularly arranged finger-like structure ensuring the even distribution of local stresses, thereby eliminating the presence of stress convergence points. The shortened effective diffusion pathway was estimated to be achieved mainly by less localized surface pores due to the HPμS support's highly porous surface with a larger number of even distributed surface pores. This study potentially opens up another workable pathway in the fabrication of SWRO membranes with enhanced performance without significant sacrifice of the selectivity. • Highly porous microstructured support membrane was used for seawater desalination. • The regularly arranged sublayer enhanced the mechanical strength of the support. • The effective diffusion pathway can be shortened with less localized surface pores. • The tuned TFC membrane exhibited higher permselectivity as compared to the control. • High permeability of 1.62 Lm−2h−1bar−1 (>99% NaCl rejection) was reported in SWRO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]