A simple, universal, biofouling-inspired surface modification to improve separation efficiency in membrane systems

摘要

A challenge facing widespread implementation of membranes for water purification is fouling, which is the deposition of organic contaminants in a membrane s pores (internal fouling) or on its surface (external fouling). Fouling leads to a catastrophic decrease in water flux which, in turn, results in increased energy costs (and, therefore, higher operation costs) due to increased pressure requirements and membrane cleansing and replacement protocols. To alleviate fouling from many types of contaminants, including proteins, natural organic matter, oily wastewater emulsions, and bacteria (biofouling), many studies have focused modifying conventional membrane surfaces to increase hydrophilicity, reduce roughness and charge density, and generally reduce attractive forces between the membrane and contaminant.