A Novel Supported Polymer Inclusion Membrane Concept for Reagent-Efficient Membrane Design.

Area of Science:

• Membrane Science and Technology
• Separation Processes
• Environmental Engineering

Background:

• Conventional polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) require substantial amounts of polymer and extractant.
• Developing sustainable and reagent-efficient membrane fabrication methods is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore a novel strategy for preparing supported PIMs by depositing PIMs onto porous substrates.
• To reduce reagent consumption in PIM fabrication while preserving membrane functionality.
• To evaluate the performance of supported PIMs for arsenate transport.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of supported PIMs using cellulose triacetate (CTA) and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) with Aliquat 336 on cellulose filter paper and Durapore® PVDF supports.
• Characterization using contact angle, SEM, FTIR, and TGA.
• Evaluation of arsenate (As(V)) transport, preconcentration, and reusability.

Main Results:

• Supported PIMs significantly reduced reagent consumption (by half for CTA, by one quarter for PVC).
• CTA-based supported PIMs achieved high arsenate transport efficiencies (90-95%), comparable to free-standing membranes.
• CTA-based Durapore®-PIMs maintained ~70% transport efficiency after three reuse cycles.

Conclusions:

• Supported PIMs offer a viable, reagent-efficient alternative to conventional free-standing PIMs.
• This approach enhances the sustainability of membrane fabrication without compromising performance.
• Supported PIMs demonstrate potential for efficient arsenate removal and preconcentration.