Fundamentals of membrane transport

Abstract

A review is presented to give a generalized membrane transport theory based on the principles of nonequilibrium thermodynamics. This theory is then used to develop specific flux equations for gas separation, pervaporation, osmosis, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, dialysis, and electrodialysis. All membrane processes suffer from boundary layer mass transfer resistances caused by concentration polarization. The convective motions parallel and perpendicular to the membrane surface are distinguishable, and the former becomes more relevant than the latter in the boundary layer mass transfer. The modified Peclet number is introduced and its importance is discussed in characterizing the boundary layer mass transfers of various membrane processes. Many different transport mechanisms through membrane itself are reviewed including the solution-diffusion model, pore model, permeation through composite membranes, and transport through inorganic membranes. Finally, the differences between membrane mass transfer and other mass transfer are delineated, including a discussion of negative mass transfer coefficient.