Preparation of low-fouling reverse-osmosis membranes on an Al2O3 carrier for desalination exploratory research

Abstract

The surface of an α-Al2O3 carrier for semi-permeable zeolite membranes was modified with copper via an electroless plating process. Following hydrothermal synthesis, dense and highly organized zeolite membranes were obtained. Membrane thickness was confined to the nanoscale following layer-by-layer self-assembly of polyelectrolytes with opposite charges. This controllable and low-cost preparation method could drastically reduce the cost of fabricating reverse osmosis membranes, which is highly significant for the realization of large-scale seawater desalination through reverse osmosis. Understanding the influences of interactions between various ions and the zeolite pores, inter-crystalline gaps, membrane structure and surface chemical properties, transmembrane pressure, and temperature on the desalination process will help provide a theoretical basis and reference point for the development of reverse osmosis membranes.