Deciphering co-ion and counterion transport in polyamide desalination membranes reveals ion selectivity mechanisms.

ABSTRACT: Membrane-based processes, such as reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF), are widely used for water purification and desalination due to their high energy efficiency and exceptional solute-water selectivity. Nevertheless, the fundamental, molecular-level mechanisms governing ion selectivity are still not fully understood. This study explores ion selectivity in polyamide desalination membranes, focusing on the partitioning and diffusion mechanisms of co-ions and counterions. Our experimental and molecular simulation results reveal that electrostatic interactions play a key role in impeding co-ion partitioning while enhancing their diffusion. The results further suggest that ion selectivity is predominantly controlled by the partitioning step, particularly the selective partitioning of

SUBMITTER: Guo Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12136035 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature