Abstract
In membrane processes, a spacer is known to play a key role in the mitigation of membrane fouling. In this study, the effect of electric polarization on a graphene-blended polymer spacer (e.g., poly(lactic acid), PLA) for organic fouling on membrane surfaces was investigated. A pristine PLA spacer (P-S), a graphene-blended spacer (G-S), and an electrically polarized graphene-blended spacer (EG-S) were successfully fabricated by 3D printing. Organic fouling tests were conducted by the 5-h filtration of CaCl2 and a sodium alginate solution through commercially available membranes, which were placed together with the fabricated spacers. Membranes utilizing P-S, G-S, and EG-S were characterized in terms of the fouling amount on the membrane surface and fouling roughness. Electrostatic forces of EG-S provided 70% less and 90% smoother fouling on the membrane surface, leading to an only 14% less water flux reduction after 5 h of fouling. The importance of nanomaterial blending and polarization was successfully demonstrated herein.
Highlights
Membrane treatment methods have been playing a crucial role in providing potable water [1]
Proteins creating organic fouling are present in a high ratio in wastewater, which aggregate on the membrane surface due to hydrogen bonding between the molecules [13]
We reported the performance of the electrically polarized graphene-blended spacer as a draw spacer for flux enhancement, and as a feed spacer for membrane scaling
Summary
Membrane treatment methods have been playing a crucial role in providing potable water [1]. Concentration polarization, and mechanical damage of the membranes are the most critical factors that directly affect the membrane performance and energy efficiency [5,6,7,8] Among these factors, membrane fouling in membrane systems is the most crucial issue that needs to be considered, especially because brackish water, wastewater and seawater comprise a number of foulants that can block the membrane surface and pores, thereby reducing the productivity of treated water [5,9]. Proteins creating organic fouling are present in a high ratio in wastewater, which aggregate on the membrane surface due to hydrogen bonding between the molecules [13] This aggregation leads to severe fouling, which in turn decreases the performance, i.e., water production capacity
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