Hydrophilic ZIF-8 enhances reverse osmosis membrane performance
Researchers found that the use of tannic acid-modified ZIF-8 improves hydrophilicity and significantly increases the performance of reverse osmosis membranes.
The research proves that the integration of tannic acid-modified ZIF-8 into reverse osmosis membranes leads to a significant increase in permeability and improves salt retention.
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are widely employed in designing nanocomposite membranes owing to their excellent performance and diversity. However, their inherent hydrophobicity limits their application in nanocomposite membranes. In order to improve the hydrophilicity of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), tannic acid (TA) was utilized to etch-modify it, resulting in a TA-ZIF-8 nanostructure with a hydrophilic shell. TA-ZIF-8 was subsequently introduced into the aqueous phase and used to prepare a nanocomposite matrix reverse osmosis membrane through interfacial polymerization (IP).
Event Tip: EC Conference Bio-based & Water-based Coatings
Unlock the future of sustainable coatings at the EC Conference Bio-based & Water-based Coatings 2024! This conference serves as a focal point for scientists and experts in bio-based, water-based coatings, and sustainability. Join us on November 5th – 6th, 2024, in Cologne, Germany, for a deep dive into the latest advancements, breakthroughs, and trends. Connect with leading experts, researchers, and industry leaders who will share invaluable insights and knowledge. The conference provides a unique platform for networking, enabling you to ask questions and engage with the right people in the field.
Hurry and take advantage of the early bird ticket offer available until September 3rd! Don’t miss this opportunity to secure your spot at the forefront of bio-based and water-based coatings technology! Register now!
The prepared nanocomposite reverse osmosis membrane had a surface with good hydrophilicity and a pure water flux increased to 55.28 L m−2 h−1 (approximately 1.74 times). Additionally, the introduction of TA-ZIF-8 significantly enhanced the electronegativity of the membrane surface, and the nanoparticles were compatible with the polyamide layer, leading to a salt rejection rate of up to 99.5% for a NaCl solution with a concentration of 32000 ppm. These results indicate great potential for applying hydrophilically modified ZIF-8 to reverse osmosis membranes.
This research has been published in the Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, Volume 21, 2024.
