Contact
    Start Publications Nanoparticle-Enhanced PVDF Flat-Sheet Membranes for Seawater ...
    ←  Publication Finder
    Attension

    Nanoparticle-Enhanced PVDF Flat-Sheet Membranes for Seawater Desalination in Direct Contact Membrane Distillation

    Year: 2023

    Journal: Membranes, Volume 13, 2023-03, page 317

    Authors: Chimanlal, Indira; Nthunya, Lebea N.; Mahlangu, Oranso T.; Kirkebæk, Bastian; Ali, Aamer; Quist-Jensen, Cejna A.; Richards, Heidi

    Keywords: silica nanoparticles; membrane distillation; carbon nanotubes; desalination; nanoparticle modification

    In this study, hydrophobic functionalized carbon nanotubes (fCNTs) and silica nanoparticles (fSiO2NPs) were incorporated into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) flat-sheet membranes to improve their performance in membrane distillation (MD). The performance of the as-synthesized membranes was evaluated against commercial reference polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) flat-sheet membranes. The water contact angle (WCA) and liquid entry pressure (LEP) of the PVDF membrane were compromised after incorporation of hydrophilic pore forming polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). These parameters were key in ensuring high salt rejections in MD processes. Upon incorporation of fCNTS and fSiO2NPs, WCA and LEP improved to 103.61° and 590 kPa, respectively. Moreover, the NP additives enhanced membrane surface roughness. Thus, an increase in membrane roughness improved WCA and resistance to membrane wetting. High salt rejection (>99%) and stable fluxes (39.77 kg m−2 h−1) were recorded throughout a 3 h process evaluation where 3.5 wt% NaCl solution was used as feed. These findings were recorded at feed temperature of 60 ℃. Evidently, this study substantiated the necessity of high feed temperatures towards high rates of water recovery.
    View publication