Construction of 1D akaganeite-templated nanochannels in polyamide forward osmosis membrane for high flux separation and nutrient enrichment

• Main Authors: Diyana Suzaimi, N., Sean Goh, P., Chun Wong, K., Taniguchi, T., Wei Lim, J., Ahmad Nizam Nik Malek, N., Fauzi Ismail, A.
• Format: Article
• Published: 2024
• Online Access: http://scholars.utp.edu.my/id/eprint/38089/; https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85174582221&doi=10.1016%2fj.seppur.2023.125401&partnerID=40&md5=54c266c7bf071b8ab4740265e1521ec4
• Institution: Universiti Teknologi Petronas

To realize nutrient (NO3�-N and PO43�-P) enrichment through FO, this study focuses on tailoring polysulfone (PSF) support layer of TFC FO membrane using 1D akaganeite (Ak) as nano-template to improve the permeance and selective separation of nutrient ions. The incorporation and the subsequent removal of the nano-template from the PSF support layer instantly created porous structures with the desired nanochannel architectures. The separation performance of the resultant e-Ak/TFC membrane is superior to other as-synthesized TFC membranes due to the presence of highly permeable channels, lower membrane tortuosity of support layer and the formation of homogenous polyamide active layer. This restricts the back-diffusion of ions in the support layer, hence improving the effective driving force across the layer. The membrane demonstrated increased water flux from 6.5 for control TFC to 14.1 L/m2�h for e-Ak/TFC membrane (�2.2 times higher) along with high selectivity, JW/JS of 0.58 g/L and lower S value. NO3�-N and PO43�-P were effectively enriched in the feed side due to high ion removal efficiencies by the membrane (>97 ) with water reduction of approximately 25 . We anticipate this work offers an insight into the design of FO membrane that is capable for desalination and enrichment of nutrient in wastewater. © 2023