Tuning the permselectivity of polymeric desalination membranes via control of polymer crystallite size.

ABSTRACT: Membrane desalination is a leading technology for treating saline waters to augment fresh water supply. The need for high-performance desalination membranes, particularly with high water/salt selectivity, has stimulated research into the fundamental structure-property-performance relationship of state-of-the-art membranes. In this study, we utilize a facile method for tuning properties of a polymeric desalination membrane to shed light on water and salt transport mechanisms of such membranes. A desalination membrane made of cellulose triacetate is treated in a plasticizer solution, followed by water rinsing. The modified membranes exhibit reduced salt flux without compromising water flux, indicating enhanced water/salt selectivity. An inspection of material characteristics using a model fi

SUBMITTER: Lu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6538653 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature