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Abstract: Ultrafiltration (UF) has become an accepted process for drinking water treatment, but membrane fouling remains a significant problem. Polyethersulfone (PES)/SiO2 composite membranes were prepared by phase inversion method with nano-SiO2 as additive. Water contact angle measurement was conducted to investigate the hydrophilicity and surface wettability of the membranes. The effect of SiO2 nanoparticles on the membrane permeation properties, anti-fouling performances, and membrane morphologies and structures was examined and discussed. The influence of SiO2 on the water permeability, anti-fouling of the PES membranes were evaluated by raw water UF experiments. The results showed that the membrane structure was not obviously affected by addition of SiO2, and the membrane performances such as hydrophilicity and anti-fouling ability were enhanced by adding SiO2 nanoparticles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Asymmetric and charged ultrafiltration membranes were prepared from blends with synthesized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and hydrophilically modified polyacrylonitrile by the classical phase inversion technique in water. As hydrophilically modified polyacrylonitrile was added, the membranes were more hydrophilic and better anti-fouling performance. Collagen extract was separated by the resulted ultrafiltration membranes. The results showed that, compared to the pure PAN ultrafiltration membrane, the blend membrane possessed higher hydrophilicity and better anti-fouling property. Fouling of collagen particles on the blend membranes was able to reduce as the composition of hydrophilic polyacrylonitrile increased. And the resulted membrane can be used to purify and concentrate collagen extract effectively. The pH of the collagen extract and the hydrophilic polyacrylonitrile content in the blend membrane could influence the membrane separation performance during separating the collagen extract. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A copolymer with a water-soluble polymer was synthesized from acrylic acid (AA) and 2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) by radical polymerization. The composite membrane was prepared with the DMAEMA-AA copolymer as the top layer and a PS ultrafiltration membrane as the support. The permeation of pure CO2 and CH4 through the composite membrane was measured. The effects of feed gas pressure, separation layer thickness, temperature and heat treatment on the composite membrane performance were studied. The results show that the composite membranes possess good CO2 permeance and selectivity of CO2 over CH4. The membrane displays a CO2 permeation rate of 6.12×10−7 cm3(STP) cm−2 s−1 Pa−1 and CO2/CH4 selectivity of 253.1 at 26°C, 1140 Pa of gas pressure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]