Performance of cellulose acetate membranes in sea water desalination

Abstract

Reverse osmosis is beginning to find application as a method for desalinating brackish water. Attempts to extend its applicability to sea water are being slowed by deficiencies of present cellulose acetate membranes. The membranes are not well suited to use in sea water because of insufficient selectivity, low long-term permeablity, and marginal chemical stability. All three problems are under study and significant improvement appears possible. The use of an ultrathin film of cellulose acetate together with a separate porous supporting membrane appears to be a promising approach to circumventing the selectivity and permeability problems.