Membrane Science and Research in Asia and the Middle East: State of the Art and Perspectives
Pei Sean
Goh
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
author
A.F.
Ismail
Advanced Membrane Technology Center (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
author
text
article
2019
eng
Asia and Middle East represent one of the most dynamic regions in the world which has experienced fast economic and technological growth. Access to clean and affordable water is essential for building resilience and maintaining human’s well-being and livelihood development in this region. Likewise, various energy resources are fundamental to support stable economic and social progress for better life quality. In the coming decades, water and energy demand is projected to hike exponentially in Asia and Middle East region. While sustaining the pace to prosper in their growth and development, this region is facing a multitude of water-energy-environment nexus challenges. Over the last decade, massive economic development, population growth, urbanization and industrialization have come at the expense of the water and energy sustainability. Natural disasters and climate changes have further amplified the vulnerability of water and energy supply. The pressing needs have called for innovative ways to address issues related to water and energy in economically and environmentally sustainable manner.
Journal of Membrane Science and Research
FIMTEC & MPRL
2476-5406
5
v.
1
no.
2019
1
2
https://www.msrjournal.com/article_33158_9dfc23531743c1330c79c4b875b3881f.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22079/jmsr.2018.96997.1226
Performance and Structure of Thin Film Composite Reverse Osmosis Membranes Prepared by Interfacial Polymerization in the Presence of Acid Acceptor
Jaydevsinh
Gohil
ADVANCED POLYMER DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH LABORATORY (APDDRL), BENGALURU
author
Akkihebbal
Suresh
Chemical Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Mumbai, India
author
text
article
2019
eng
During interfacial polymerization (IP) reaction between m-phenylenediamine (MPDA) and trimesoyl chloride (TMC), a by-product, i.e. hydrochloric acid can produce. This produced acid diffuses back in aqueous phase and protonates MPDA and reduces its reactivity that results in lowering of polymer yield and performance of membrane. Further, for getting consistency in reverse osmosis membranes formation, different acid acceptors (AAs) can investigate in the IP to form polyamide-made barrier layer formation. The main objective was to scavenge hydrochloric acid produced during IP and to fabricate membrane having high flux and salt rejection ability. AAs (of varying concentrations) tested were triethylamine-camphorsulfonic acid (TEACSA), triphenyl phosphate (TPP), sodium hydroxide (SH) and trisoduim phosphate (TSP) for studying structure and performance of membranes. The membrane samples were then characterized using surface proflometer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and contact angle goniometer. Results indicated that the addition of organic AA improves water permeability of the membranes without sacrifcing salt rejection. The optimum membranes were prepared with AA concentrations of 3.4, 0.15, 0.02 and 0.19 wt.% for TEACSA, TPP, SH and TSP respectively. Membranes produced in presence of AA had higher surface area difference, hydrophilicity and water flux. Additionally, compare to inorganic AAs, the use of organic AA produced membrane with thicker polyamide layer and higher cross-link density. These induced changes in the physicochemical features of the prepared membranes also signifed the role of the AA in scavenging the hydrochloric acid to forestall the formation of amine salts during IP for polyamide nanocomposite membrane formation.
Journal of Membrane Science and Research
FIMTEC & MPRL
2476-5406
5
v.
1
no.
2019
3
10
https://www.msrjournal.com/article_30835_d88be482668fcc33de59eb3563bc7030.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22079/jmsr.2018.81594.1178
A Comparative Study on the Application of Porous PES and PEI Hollow Fiber Membranes in Gas Humidifcation Process
Gholamreza
Bakeri
Chemical Engineering Faculty, Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, Babol, Iran.
author
text
article
2019
eng
Humidification process is one of the applications of membrane contactor in which partial pressure of a vapor in the gas stream increases. In this study, two different polyethersulfone and polyetherimide hollow fiber membranes were fabricated and characterized by various test methods and their performance in humidification process under different operating conditions was investigated. The PES membrane has more porous skin layer which its mean pore size and gas permeance are 191% and 566% more than PEI membrane, respectively but its porosity is lower that can be related to its more spongelike structure and higher concentration of the polymer at the cloud point. On the other hand, the water vapor flux of PEI membrane is higher than PES membrane that can be related to the difference in the sublayer structure of the membranes which causes water vapor to condense along the pores of the membrane. Furthermore, the difference in water vapor fluxes between PEI and PES membrane increases as the operating pressure/liquid temperature increases that may be related to the intensification of pore condensation phenomenon. The results of this research show that the structure of membrane sublayer has critical effect on the vapor flux in the humidification process.
Journal of Membrane Science and Research
FIMTEC & MPRL
2476-5406
5
v.
1
no.
2019
11
19
https://www.msrjournal.com/article_31198_4c1c2f9b4c4ea1a548087ad9377ff8d5.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22079/jmsr.2018.71014.1156
Polysulfone/Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Ultrafltration Membrane for Adsorptive Removal of Phosphate from Aqueous Solution
Muhammad Nidzhom
Zainol Abidin
Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
author
Pei Sean
Goh
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
author
A.F.
Ismail
Advanced Membrane Technology Center (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
author
Noresah
Said
Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
author
Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan
Othman
Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre,
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia,
81310 UTM Johor Bahru,
MALAYSIA.
author
Hasrinah
Hasbullah
Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
author
Mohd Sohaimi
Abdullah
Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
author
Be Cheer
Ng
Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
author
Siti Hamimah
Sheikh Abdul Kadir
Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology (IMMB), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
author
Fatmawati
Kamal
Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology (IMMB), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
author
text
article
2019
eng
Excessive nutrient contents in water bodies renders eutrophication and causes undesired structural changes to the environment. One of the most straightforward strategies to address eutrophication issue is through the removal of nutrients such as phosphate ions from the water sources. A combination of membrane fltration and adsorption process is an attractive alternative to remove phosphate from aqueous solution. In this work, polysulfone/iron oxide nanoparticles (PSf/IONPs) adsorptive nanocomposite ultrafltration (UF) membrane was prepared via phase separation process. Flat sheet membranes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, contact angle, overall pore size, porosity and pure water flux (PWF). Results showed that the incorporation of IONPs greatly enhanced the membrane PWF from 10.0 L/m2/h to 55.2 L/m2/h, contributed by the enhanced surface hydrophilicity (contact angle = 63.9°), porosity (74.1%) and larger overall pore size (79.3 nm). It was revealed that the membrane possessed phosphate adsorption capacity of 73.5 mg/g. Filtration experiment demonstrated that the PSf/IONPs membrane exhibited efcient phosphate removal under a steady flux. The design of this adsorptive UF membrane could fulfl the current necessity to remove phosphate from wastewater.
Journal of Membrane Science and Research
FIMTEC & MPRL
2476-5406
5
v.
1
no.
2019
20
24
https://www.msrjournal.com/article_31937_f303dc128914ffa49db5896f46be9dbb.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22079/jmsr.2018.87665.1195
Pebax-Modified Cellulose Acetate Membrane for CO2/N2 Separation
Hamidreza
Sanaeepur
Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Arak University, Arak 38156-8-8349, Iran.
author
Reyhane
Ahmadi
Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Arak University, Arak 38156-8-8349, Iran
author
Mehdi
Sinaei
Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Mahshahr Branch, Mahshahr, Iran
author
Ali
Kargari
Amirkabir University of Technology
author
text
article
2019
eng
Carbon dioxide (CO2) release from the exhaust gas streams of power plants that burn fossil fuels contributes the most emission of this gas, which includes more than half of the greenhouse effects. Thus, the separation of CO2 from exhaust gases is one of the main environmental concerns. Membrane technology, due to many advantages, has attracted many research attentions among the various gas separation technologies. In this study, separation performance of cellulose acetate (CA) membrane as the most famous commercial membrane used to separate CO2, improved through the blending method. In this regard, block co-polymer (polyether block amide), as a trade name of Pebax (Pebax® 1657), which has a proper efficiency in separation of CO2 has been used. Cellulose acetate/Pebax blend membranes are prepared by solution casting/solvent evaporation method and their performance in CO2 separation from N2 was studied. The morphologies were also being investigated using SEM, FTIR, DSC and XRD. Gas permeability results, showed that CO2 permeability in CA membrane increases more than 25% and its equivalent CO2/N2 ideal selectivity rises about 59% with the increase in Pebax content up to 8 wt.%.
Journal of Membrane Science and Research
FIMTEC & MPRL
2476-5406
5
v.
1
no.
2019
25
32
https://www.msrjournal.com/article_32062_79b8287570dcc5b8b69879938f33a15f.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22079/jmsr.2018.85813.1190
Polyurethane Mixed Matrix Membranes for Gas Separation: A Systematic Study on Effect of SiO2/TiO2 Nanoparticles
Manijeh
Azari
Caspian Faculty of Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
author
Morteza
Sadeghi
Department of Chemical Engineering
Isfahan University of Technology
author
Mohammad
Aroon
Caspian Faculty of Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
author
Takeshi
Matsuura
University of Ottawa, Canada
author
text
article
2019
eng
In this study, the effect of SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles on the gas separation performance of the polyurethane (PU) membranes has investigated. Polyurethanes were synthesized by bulk two step polymerization of polytetramethyleneglycol (PTMG)/polycaprolactone (PCL): isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI)/hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI): 4,4'-methylenebis(2-chloroaniline) (MOCA) in mole ratios of 1:3:2. Silica nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel method by hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) while commercial TiO2 nanoparticles were used. The neat PU membrane and PU-SiO2, PU-TiO2 and PU-SiO2-TiO2 flat sheet asymmetric mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were fabricated by phase inversion and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses. Although SEM observation showed uniform distribution of SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles inside the polymer matrix, agglomerated nanoparticles were observed at high silica contents in the MMMs of different SiO2/TiO2 ratios. Permeability of membrane samples were measured using pure CO2, CH4, N2 and O2 as test gases. The experimental results revealed that SiO2 and TiO2 could increase permeability of all gases when used separately or in combination. It was shown that when SiO2 and TiO2 were added in combined form, the separation performance of MMMs could be improved signifcantly; either permeability increased up to 120 barrer or CO2/N2 selectivity up to 34, although the individual effect of SiO2 and TiO2 on the selectivity of gas pairs was different.
Journal of Membrane Science and Research
FIMTEC & MPRL
2476-5406
5
v.
1
no.
2019
33
43
https://www.msrjournal.com/article_31902_d32f870d6a3a481c009647302d03f83b.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22079/jmsr.2018.80692.1175
Optimized Tree-Type Cylindrical-Shaped Nanoporous Filtering Membranes with 6 or 7 Branch Pores in each Pore Tree
Yongbin
Zhang
College Mech Eng, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
author
text
article
2019
eng
The performances of the optimized tree-type cylindrical-shaped nanoporous fltering membranes with six or seven branch pores in each pore tree are analytically studied. The radius Rb,1 of the branch pore for fltration is normally on the 1 or 10 nm scales. The larger trunk pore is for improving the flux of the membrane. For liquid-particle separations, the radius Rb,1 of the branch pore is determined by the particle size, and the radius Rb,2 of the trunk pore is optimized for yielding the lowest flow resistance of the membranes; The optimum ratios of Rb,2 to Rb,1 are typically calculated respectively for weak, medium-level and strong liquid-pore wall interactions when the operational parameter values are widely varied. The capability of the liquid-liquid separation of these membranes is also analytically shown.
Journal of Membrane Science and Research
FIMTEC & MPRL
2476-5406
5
v.
1
no.
2019
44
48
https://www.msrjournal.com/article_32241_17a47e3c2b4daeca97f32f7cfd5f86fd.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22079/jmsr.2018.89954.1203
Preparation and Physical Characterization of Sulfonated Poly (Ether Ether Ketone) and Polypyrrole Composite Membrane
Praksh
Mahanwar
Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
author
Sumit
Bhattad
M.Tech Research Fellow
author
text
article
2019
eng
Sulfoanted poly(ether ether ketone) membranes were prepared by the sulfonating agent sulfuric acid. These membranes were modifed by incorporating conducting polymer polypyrrole in order to increase the ionic conductivity and reduce the methanol transmission rate. The modifed composite membranes were then compared on the basis of ionic conductivity, methanol transmission rate and thermal stability. Results indicated that the new membranes were thermally stable up to 300ºC and gave moderate ionic conductivity. Consequently, composite membranes show less water uptake and swelling. The composite membranes were then characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and ionic conductive properties were evaluated by Electrochemical Spectroscopy Impedance.
Journal of Membrane Science and Research
FIMTEC & MPRL
2476-5406
5
v.
1
no.
2019
49
54
https://www.msrjournal.com/article_24244_a994b8ac607ec112e446317beaccd713.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22079/jmsr.2017.24244
Fluorosilaned-TiO2/PVDF Membrane Distillation with Improved Wetting Resistance for Water Recovery from High Solid Loading Wastewater
Nur Suhaili
Mohd Yatim
Universiti Malaysia Perlis
author
Ooi
Boon Seng
Universiti Sains Malaysia
author
Khairiah
Abd. Karim
Universiti Sains Malaysia
author
text
article
2019
eng
Membrane distillation (MD) has emerged as an important technology for applications in industries such as seawater desalination and wastewater treatment due to its low energy requirement and theoretically low fouling propensity. However, the main obstacle to obtain high separating efciency in MD lies on the availability of porous hydrophobic membrane that can withstand pore wetting and membrane fouling. In this work, a dual coagulation bath method was introduced to alter the membrane morphology by increasing its porosity, surface roughness as well as polymer crystallinity. To increase the membrane hydrophobicity, membrane roughness was induced by adding TiO2 nanoparticles. However, this has brought concomitant impacts by lowering its porosity due to the pore blocking and reducing hydrophobicity due to the presence of hydroxyl group on TiO2 surface. Introduction of silanized TiO2 modifed at pH 7 gave higher contact angle (131.7±4) that could withstand the pore wetting and at the same time maintained its high permeation flux (12kg/m2.h) and excellent nutrient removal efciency of 99.65%. Consistent flux around 6 kg/m2.h for Paper Mill Sequence Batch Reactor (PMSE) could be achieved showing that the membrane wetting and fouling resistance towards solids were good. The system efciency was around 55% which was comparable to the pure water treatment process (50%). However, the membrane was not suitable to be used for treatment of the oil-rich Palm Oil Mill Efuent (POME) as the flux dropped from 6 to 2 kg/m2.h after 7 hours of operation with thermal efciency dropped to 26% due to fouling phenomena.
Journal of Membrane Science and Research
FIMTEC & MPRL
2476-5406
5
v.
1
no.
2019
55
64
https://www.msrjournal.com/article_32582_5d3573e839f49c8c89ce83db680524d6.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22079/jmsr.2018.89172.1202
Porous Proton Exchange Membrane Based Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8)
hazlina
junoh
Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Univerisiti Teknologi Malaysia
author
Juhana
Jaafar
Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
author
Nik Abdul Hadi
Md Nordin
Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak
author
Ahmad Fauzi
Ismail
Advanced Membrane Technology Center (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
author
Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan
Othman
Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre,
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia,
81310 UTM Johor Bahru,
MALAYSIA.
author
Mukhlis
A Rahman
Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
author
Farhana
Aziz
Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
author
norhaniza
yusof
Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
author
wan norharyati
wan salleh
Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FCEE), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia
author
text
article
2019
eng
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are emerging material class for the past few years due to its tailorability characteristics for various applications. However, the research and development (R&D) of MOFs is still scarce for fuel cell system. This may be due to the several difficulties faced in selecting a good MOFs-based electrolyte, which consequently affects both proton conduction and methanol crossover, especially for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) system. Owing to excellent thermal and chemical stability with controllable pore size possessed by zeolitic imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8) crystal structure has made it most widely investigated. Furthermore, the superhydrophobicity of the ZIF-8 allows high proton conductivity and methanol barrier properties, especially in the DMFC system. In fact, there has been a huge development on fabricating the ZIF-8 membrane, regardless the effects on proton conduction and methanol permeation for fuel cell application. Thus, in this paper, the specialty possessed by MOFs as proton conductors has been discussed; in conjunction with the properties, the synthesis and fabrication of ZIF-8 membrane as alternative proton conductor and methanol barrier for DMFC application have also been highlighted.
Journal of Membrane Science and Research
FIMTEC & MPRL
2476-5406
5
v.
1
no.
2019
65
75
https://www.msrjournal.com/article_32433_fc346cdc7f95ee1ff1eb6ed1c585c7c7.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22079/jmsr.2018.84377.1188
Desalination Research and Development in Saudi Arabia: Experience of the Center of Excellence in Desalination Technology at King Abdulaziz University
Enrico
Drioli
Istituto per la Tecnologia delle Membrane (ITM-CNR), Italy
author
Mohammad
Albeirutty
Center of Excellence in Desalination Technology KAU University
author
Omar
Bamaga
Center of Excellence in Desalination Technology
King Abdulaziz University
author
Alberto
Figoli
Institute on Membrane Technology, ITM-CNR
author
text
article
2019
eng
Membrane technology is growing very fast and it is used in several main applications from desalination, water and wastewater treatment to medical, biotechnology and gas separation field. Different membrane processes are applied depending on the applications from more traditional pressure-driven membrane processes (Microfiltration, MF; Ultrafiltration, UF; Nanofiltration, NF) to more advanced ones as Membrane contactors (Membrane Distillation, MD; Membrane Dryers; Membrane Emulsifiers) and membrane processes integrated with renewable sources. In this contest, the development of innovative materials, as nanocomposite membranes as well as the study of innovative membrane processes, as MD, are part of the latest scientific research most of the universities and research centers are focusing their efforts on. These topics are also part of main research activities of Center of Excellence in Desalination Technology (CEDT) at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and there will be described in details in next sections. CEDT is also involved in membrane processes and applications, renewable energy desalination, as well as computational modeling and simulation of membrane processes.
Journal of Membrane Science and Research
FIMTEC & MPRL
2476-5406
5
v.
1
no.
2019
76
82
https://www.msrjournal.com/article_33222_476736d57acbaf45f458e5c747fc8fba.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.22079/jmsr.2018.94354.1217