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

Xinglin Lu, Xunda Feng, Yi Yang, Jin Jiang, Wei Cheng, Caihong Liu, Manesh Gopinadhan, Chinedum O. Osuji, Jun Ma () and Menachem Elimelech ()
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Xinglin Lu: Yale University
Xunda Feng: Yale University
Yi Yang: Harbin Institute of Technology
Jin Jiang: Harbin Institute of Technology
Wei Cheng: Harbin Institute of Technology
Caihong Liu: Harbin Institute of Technology
Manesh Gopinadhan: Yale University
Chinedum O. Osuji: Yale University
Jun Ma: Harbin Institute of Technology
Menachem Elimelech: Yale University

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: 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 film system reveals a plasticizing-extracting process in changing the polymeric structure, which leads to the reduction of crystallite size in the polymer matrix, consequently affecting the transport properties of the membranes. Our findings highlight the potential of the plasticizing-extracting process in fabricating membranes with desired desalination performance.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10132-0

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