Novel infinite coordination polymer (ICP) modified thin-film polyamide nanocomposite membranes for simultaneous enhancement of antifouling and chlorine-resistance performance

Abstract

In this study, a hydrophilic and photocatalytic Infinite Coordination Polymer (ICP) nanoparticle was synthesized and used to fabricate reverse osmosis (RO) membrane to reduce antifouling and improve desalination performance. Co-BDC ICP (BDC = benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid) was synthesized and incorporated with different contents into an m -phenylene diamine aqueous solution to create a polyamide mixed matrix layer on polysulfone support with the interfacial polymerization (IP) technique. Due to the presence of –C O and end –COOH groups in the Co-ICP, the hydrophilicity of the fabricated membranes improved, caused to improving permeability and antifouling properties. By blending 0.02 wt% Co-ICP, NaCl solution flux increased from 37.4 (for unfilled) to 59.1 L/m 2 . h and the FRR improved from 84.0% to 95.5%. The salt rejection was also improved from 97.1% to 98.8% due to increased surface negative charge. In addition, due to the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized Co-ICP, when UV irradiation was applied during the membrane washing, the FRR of the membranes was improved. The addition of Co-ICP improved the chlorine resistance of the membranes probably because of acted as a trap for the chlorine radicals. This study confirmed that the low amounts of the applied Co-ICP could be an effective additive to improve the desalination performance of RO membranes. • Fabricating Infinite Coordination Polymer (ICP) nanoparticle mixed PA RO membrane. • Low contents of ICP increased membrane flux, chlorine and fouling resistances. • NaCl rejection improved from 97.1% to 98.8% due to increased surface negative charge. • ICP modified membranes presented smoother surfaces with reduced contact angles. • UV irradiation improved FRR of ICP/RO membranes due to photocatalytic activity.