Session: PMSE/POLY Poster Session:

Many studies have shown the devastating impact of climate change on the planet. None is more worrying than the impact on the world’s potable water supply. Thus, this leads us to pursue efficient and cost-effective technologies to purify, reclaim, and recycle this non-potable water. The most promising of these water reclamation and purification technologies are the emerging membrane-based processes, which are more energy-friendly and are more efficient. The research group was focused on studying, developing, and applying tungsten (IV) disulfide (WS2) nanosheets onto modified polysulfone (PSF) membranes to form a Janus membrane capable of self-osmosis and anti-biofouling properties. These properties greatly improve membrane efficiency and longevity, as there are fewer instances of required maintenance throughout its lifetime. Self-osmosis is achieved by modifying the PSF structure to add the osmotic agent, dimethylamine N-oxide (DEAO). Using scanning electron microscopy, (SEM), along with other techniques, the research group was able to determine that the finished membrane, the PSF-DEAO membrane, is the most hydrophilic. This is confirmed utilizing Forward Osmosis (FO) tests, with the PSF-DEAO membrane outperforming other PSF membranes tested. This, however, can be impaired by natural biofouling that occurs on the membrane surface caused by a buildup of bacteria and organic matter on the membrane’s surface. WS2 nanosheets can create Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) by absorbing visible light. ROS’s can eliminate this biofouling that is present. By applying these nanosheets onto the PSF-DEAO membrane’s surface, they can eliminate the majority of biofouling that accumulates on the membrane. These developments can greatly improve FO membranes for use in water desalination, wastewater treatment, pharmaceutical reclamation, among others.

Eduardo Nicolau

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