Ultrathin reverse osmosis poly amide/carbon nanotubes nanocomposite membrane

摘要

We have studied the performance of carbon nanotube/polyamide nanocomposite membranes for water desalination applications. According to different simulation studies [1-3], carbon nanotubes (CNT) are a promising material for water purification/separation processes. The restricted pore size of the CNT and charge allow for efficient rejection of hydrated salt ions, while permitting fast water flux due to frictionless water molecular transport. The carbon nanotubes are held together by a submicron-thick polyamide matrix, supported by a microporous PTFE support. The polyamide layer also permits high water flux through the membrane and salt rejection. CNT were added to a hydrophilic PTFE filter via filtration method [4]. Synthesis of THC polyamide/CNT was achieved via interfacial polymerization. Scheme 1 is the reaction scheme used to produce the polyamide film. The reaction conditions for this process we previously described by Hoek et al [5, 6]. The organic phase used for the interfacial polymerization was hexane.