We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics-resistant FO membranes: Zwitterionic MOF nanoparticles for superior fouling control
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a new type of forward osmosis membrane modified with zwitterionic metal-organic framework nanoparticles to resist fouling by microplastics. The modified membranes showed a 73 percent improvement in water-attracting properties and only a 17 percent decline in water flow during fouling tests, compared to 60 percent for unmodified membranes. The technology could improve the efficiency of water treatment systems that need to handle microplastic-contaminated water.
The increasing contamination of water by microplastics (MPs) underscores the need for efficient tertiary treatments such as forward osmosis (FO). Developing advanced, low-fouling membranes is essential for enhancing FO system effectiveness. This work studies an innovative modification of FO membranes by the incorporation of a synthesized hybrid nanoparticle comprising metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and sulfobetaine zwitterions into the thin layer of thin-film composite (TFC) membranes. The ZW/MOF (UiO-66-NH 2 ), nanoparticles were synthesized using a post-synthetic free-radical copolymerization method, resulting in a uniform polymer shell around the MOF nanoparticles. The incorporation of ZW/MOF nanoparticles into the membranes enhanced the hydrophilicity of the membranes by 73 % and imparted a more negatively charged membrane surface. Moreover, the performance tests indicated that the incorporation of ZW/MOF nanoparticles into the TFC membranes significantly enhanced their water flux by 28 % while reducing their reverse salt flux (RSF). Fouling tests employing organic foulants and MPs demonstrated a substantial improvement in the antifouling capabilities of the modified membranes with 17 % flux decline compared to 60 % flux decline for the pure membrane. Notably, the modified membranes showed almost full flux recovery after fouling, indicating a reversible fouling, whereas the control membrane only demonstrated 70 % flux recovery after fouling tests with combined MPs and organic foulants. This highlights the suitability of FO membranes modified with ZW/MOF nanoparticles for treating complex wastewater, particularly in environments with emerging pollutants like MPs. This study provides new insights into the positive contributions of MOFs and their hybrid nanoparticles on the sustainable development of membrane technology dealing with emerging pollutants. • Sulfobetaine zwitterionic brush decorated UiO-66-NH 2 MOFs were synthesized. • FO membranes modified with ZW/MOF exhibited 28 % higher water flux. • ZW/MOF nanoparticle integration cuts reverse solute flux by 50 %, boosting FO efficiency. • ZW/MOF creates a hydrophilic, anti-fouling surface against microplastics.
More Papers Like This
Defect-engineered metal organic framework thin film nanocomposite membranes for enhanced forward osmosis performance and microplastic antifouling
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers engineered a new type of water filtration membrane by embedding specially designed metal-organic framework (MOF) particles into a thin film, achieving a three-fold increase in water flow rate while also becoming significantly more resistant to fouling by microplastics compared to standard membranes. The MOF particles were given controlled structural defects that created additional water transport pathways and made the membrane surface more water-attracting, reducing plastic particle adhesion. More efficient, fouling-resistant membranes could improve the viability of advanced water treatment systems for removing microplastics.
Harnessing the power of metal-organic frameworks to develop microplastic fouling resistant forward osmosis membranes
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics are increasingly showing up in our water supplies, and current wastewater treatment methods struggle to filter them out efficiently. Scientists developed an improved water-filtering membrane using a special material that boosted water flow by 90% while resisting clogging from microplastics and other particles, meaning treatment plants could one day remove these tiny pollutants from water more effectively and for longer periods before needing replacement. This matters because reducing microplastics in our water systems could help limit our exposure to these particles, which have been linked to potential health concerns as they build up in the environment and food chain.
Resilient forward osmosis membranes against microplastics fouling enhanced by MWCNTs/UiO-66-NH2 hybrid nanoparticles
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed improved forward osmosis membranes by incorporating hybrid nanoparticles made of multi-wall carbon nanotubes and metal-organic frameworks to resist microplastic fouling. The modified membranes showed enhanced performance and greater resistance to clogging by microplastic particles. The study presents a promising approach for improving membrane-based water treatment systems that need to handle microplastic-contaminated wastewater.
Metal-organic framework membrane for waterborne micro/nanoplastics treatment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed the potential of metal-organic framework (MOF) membranes — materials with highly tunable pore structures — to filter micro- and nanoplastics from water more effectively than conventional filtration. MOF membranes showed promise due to their adjustable surface chemistry and resistance to biological fouling, though challenges like particle clumping and structural stability still need to be resolved.
Microplastics fouling mitigation in forward osmosis membranes by the molecular assembly of sulfobetaine zwitterion
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists developed a new water-filtering membrane coated with a special molecule that resists clogging from microplastics, which are increasingly showing up in our drinking water and have been linked to potential health concerns. The upgraded membrane not only filtered water more efficiently but could be cleaned and restored to over 90% effectiveness in just 30 minutes, making it a promising step toward more affordable, low-maintenance systems for removing microplastics from water supplies.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.