Methods of Modifying Thin Film Composite Membrane Support Structures for Engineered Osmosis Applications

University of Connecticut
posted on 09/06/2010

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Prof. McCutcheon has developed a method to use polydopamine, a bioinspired aqueous polymerizing polymer, to hydrophilize the support layers of anisotropic membranes for use in engineered osmosis applications. This technique offers an entirely new way for the modification of commercial membranes and can be implemented easily into existing membrane manufacturing systems or applied to assembled modules.

In engineered osmosis applications, the support layer not only acts to provide mechanical strength to the membrane but also inhibits the mass transport of ions in the solution. Therefore, the lack of wetting of this layer will negatively impact the flux performance of the membranes. However, the current technology of depositing the selective layer onto the supporting layer often requires a hydrophobic support layer which, after the formation of the selective layer, inhibits osmotic flow across the selective layer due to incomplete wetting. Some intrinsically hydrophilic polymers could also be used but membranes fabricated typically have poorer selectivity and stability. Prof. McCutcheon’s technology employs polydopamine to coat the internal pore structure of the hydrophobic support layer, rendering hydrophilicity and high flux performance while preserving good selectivity and stability. The targeted membranes include all thin film composite and asymmetric membranes that are capable of rejecting monovalent salt ions.

High-performance engineering membranes
Filtration
Water-treatment

-High flux performance
-Hydrophilic surface
-Easily adapted into existing systems