Polyamide membranes with nanoscale ordered structures for fast permeation and highly selective ion-ion separation

Changwei Zhao (), Yanjun Zhang, Yuewen Jia, Bojun Li, Wenjing Tang, Chuning Shang, Rui Mo, Pei Li, Shaomin Liu and Sui Zhang ()
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Changwei Zhao: China Agricultural University
Yanjun Zhang: China Agricultural University
Yuewen Jia: National University of Singapore
Bojun Li: Beijing Normal University
Wenjing Tang: China Agricultural University
Chuning Shang: National University of Singapore
Rui Mo: China Agricultural University
Pei Li: Beijing University of Chemical Technology
Shaomin Liu: Beijing University of Chemical Technology
Sui Zhang: National University of Singapore

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Fast permeation and effective solute-solute separation provide the opportunities for sustainable water treatment, but they are hindered by ineffective membranes. We present here the construction of a nanofiltration membrane with fast permeation, high rejection, and precise Cl-/SO42- separation by spatial and temporal control of interfacial polymerization via graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). The g-C3N4 nanosheet binds preferentially with piperazine and tiles the water-hexane interface as revealed by molecular dynamics studies, thus lowering the diffusion rate of PIP by one order of magnitude and restricting its diffusion pathways towards the hexane phase. As a result, membranes with nanoscale ordered hollow structure are created. Transport mechanism across the structure is clarified using computational fluid dynamics simulation. Increased surface area, lower thickness, and a hollow ordered structure are identified as the key contributors to the water permeance of 105 L m2·h−1·bar−1 with a Na2SO4 rejection of 99.4% and a Cl-/SO42- selectivity of 130, which is superior to state-of-the-art NF membranes. Our approach for tuning the membrane microstructure enables the development of ultra-permeability and excellent selectivity for ion-ion separation, water purification, desalination, and organics removal.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36848-8

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