A reactive terminator dual-tuning polyamide structure for high-performance nanofiltration membranes

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Separation Science

Background:

• Nanofiltration membranes face a critical permeability-selectivity trade-off, limiting their efficiency in water purification.
• Existing membrane technologies struggle to enhance flux without compromising salt rejection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop advanced nanofiltration membranes that overcome the permeability-selectivity trade-off.
• To simultaneously tune membrane pore size, thickness, and surface charge for enhanced performance.

Main Methods:

• Utilized terminator-assisted interfacial polymerization to incorporate sulfonated additives.
• Engineered membrane properties through controlled additive integration.

Main Results:

• Achieved a twofold increase in water flux compared to conventional membranes.
• Maintained a high sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) rejection rate exceeding 98%.
• Demonstrated simultaneous optimization of pore size, thickness, and surface charge.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers a simple and effective strategy to break the permeability-selectivity barrier in nanofiltration.
• The new membranes show significant potential for efficient water treatment and desalination applications.