Abstract
In the present work, polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration (UF) membranes with molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) from 5 to 300 kDa were analyzed with respect to fouling during filtration of humic acid (HA) model solution. The impact of MWCO and prefiltration of the feed solution on the fouling behavior of these membranes is presented. Moreover, an UV-initiated graft copolymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) onto PES membranes was performed and the effect of the applied modification was examined in terms of MWCO and water permeability changes as well as performance during filtration of HA. Moreover, the fouling behavior and principles during the filtration were compared. Membranes with higher MWCO exhibited stronger flux decline during UF but better cleanability. Prefiltration through 0.45 μm filter improved the membrane performance during filtration of HA but the efficiency of physical cleaning was deteriorated. The applied modification improved the membrane performance during ultrafiltration and facilitated the physical cleaning. This work contributes to a better understanding of the relationships between membrane MWCO, solute size and size distribution, membrane surface chemistry and membrane fouling.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.