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Constructing zwitterionic polymer brush layer to enhance gravity-driven membrane performance by governing biofilm
Caihong Liu1, Dan Song2, Wenjuan Zhang3
1Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
Water Research
|October 21, 2019
Summary
Zwitterionic polymer brushes grafted onto gravity-driven membranes (GDMs) significantly improve antifouling properties. This enhances stable flux and reduces fouling in wastewater filtration, showcasing potential for ultra-low pressure systems.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Engineering
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Membrane fouling is a major challenge in water treatment, reducing efficiency and increasing operational costs.
- Gravity-driven membranes (GDMs) offer a low-energy filtration solution but are susceptible to fouling.
- Surface modification is crucial for enhancing membrane performance and longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To impart antifouling properties to gravity-driven membranes (GDMs) using zwitterionic polymer brushes.
- To optimize the grafting process for enhanced hydrophilicity and permeability.
- To evaluate the long-term fouling resistance and flux stability of modified membranes in wastewater treatment.
Main Methods:
- Surface-initiated reaction to graft zwitterionic polymer brushes onto PVDF hollow fiber membranes.
- Membrane characterization using various techniques to confirm successful functionalization.
- Long-term dynamic fouling experiments using sewage wastewater and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) for analysis.
Main Results:
- Optimal modification achieved after 90 minutes of reaction time, resulting in high hydrophilicity and permeability.
- Modified membranes exhibited excellent fouling resistance and enhanced stable flux over 30 days of operation.
- Zwitterionic modification significantly inhibited extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) adsorption and reduced foulant interactions.
Conclusions:
- Surface hydrophilic functionalization with zwitterionic polymer brushes effectively mitigates membrane fouling in GDMs.
- The study demonstrates a promising strategy for improving the performance and stability of ultra-low pressure filtration systems.
- Optimized zwitterionic modification leads to sustained high flux and reduced operational challenges in wastewater treatment.
