Technical Approach

ICP has been identified as a key phenomenon limiting membrane performance in FO processes. To minimize the detrimental impact of ICP, the morphology and microstructure of the membrane's porous support layer needs to be customized for reduced mass transfer resistance. This project will identify the membrane fabrication parameters needed to achieve a porous support structure optimized for decreased ICP, thereby improving the membrane productivity. Thin-film composite membranes customized for operation in an OsMBR will be fabricated via a two-step procedure. A polysulfone porous support will be casted on a polyester fabric backing through phase separation, followed by interfacial polarization of the polyamide active layer on top of the composite support layer. The fabricated membranes will be characterized for transport and structural properties and evaluated for separation performance.

Long-term operation of the OsMBR with minimal fouling and no chemical cleaning is of paramount importance. In this project, modification techniques will be explored to incorporate anti-fouling properties to the membrane active layer. Two approaches will be adopted: coating of the membrane with hydrophilic and smooth crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol, and grafting of hydrophilic polyethylene oxide macromolecules onto a polydopamine thin film deposited onto the membrane active layer. The modified membrane will be evaluated for enhanced anti-fouling properties and long-term operation with wastewater effluent.