Ammonium across a Selective Polymer Inclusion Membrane: Characterization, Transport, and Selectivity
Anna Casadellà1,2, Olivier Schaetzle2, Katja Loos1
1Department of Polymer Chemistry, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747, AG, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
|April 11, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed a selective polymer inclusion membrane for ammonium recovery from urine. This membrane effectively separates ammonium from sodium and potassium, crucial for nutrient recycling applications.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Urine contains valuable ammonium (NH4+) but also sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+).
- Efficient recovery of ammonium from urine is essential for nutrient recycling and wastewater treatment.
- Separating ammonium from other cations like sodium and potassium presents a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) selective for ammonium recovery from urine.
- To investigate the influence of membrane composition and structure on ammonium transport and selectivity.
- To optimize the membrane formulation for enhanced ammonium flux and separation performance.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a polymer inclusion membrane using a pyrazole-substituted benzene ionophore.
- Characterization of membrane properties using spectroscopic and thermogravimetric analyses.
- Evaluation of ammonium transport and selectivity through membrane performance testing.
Main Results:
- The plasticizer (DEHP) reduced membrane rigidity, while the ionophore increased it and swelling degree.
- A plasticizer-to-polymer (DEHP:PVC) ratio of 1:3 (mass) yielded the highest ammonium flux.
- Increased ionophore content (2-5 wt%) accelerated ammonium flux, reaching 7.5 × 10(-3) mmol cm(-2) h(-1).
- Ammonium selectivity over sodium and potassium decreased with higher ionophore content, but remained significant.
Conclusions:
- A selective PIM for ammonium recovery from urine was successfully developed.
- Membrane composition, particularly the ratio of plasticizer to polymer and ionophore content, significantly impacts ammonium flux and selectivity.
- The developed membrane shows promise for efficient ammonium separation and recovery from complex matrices like urine.
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