Surface Modification of CTA-FO Membrane by CO2 Plasma Treatment

Abstract

The aim of this research was to examine the influence of CO2 plasma activation on CTA membrane in order to improve its the hydrophilicity. This research also investigated the enhancement of CTA membrane whether it could increase the anti-fouling in FO process. The plasma power was used varied in the range of 10-50 W and the exposure time was employed at 5-25 min, respectively. The contact angle and hydrophillicity of samples were reduced after CO2 plasma treatment. The reduction of the contact angle was presented from 64.04º to 9.38º. The optimum condition of plasma power was 20 W with the exposure time at 10 min. The result suggested that the CO2 plasma etched and changed the functional group of CTA membrane to carboxylic group and their derivative as indicated by FTIR-ATR. The results showed the decreased water flux after the treatment by CO2 plasma and the high salt leakage. Filtration experiments of BSA solution and demonstrated the low water flux fouling due to the surface roughness of modify CTA membrane. The hydrophilic membrane treatment plasma surface could reduce interactions and decreases protein absorption.