Surface Modification of Ultrafiltration Membranes with 1,4-Benzoquinone and Polyetheramines to Improve Fouling Resistance

Membrane fouling remains a key challenge for membrane separations. Hydrophilic membrane surface modification can mitigate irreversible foulant deposition, thereby improving fouling resistance. We report new hydrophilic membrane coatings based on 1,4-benzoquinone and various commercially available polyetheramines. These coatings, prepared from 1,4-benzoquinone and Jeffamine EDR 148, poly(benzoquinone-Jeffamine EDR 148) (p(BQ-EDR 148)), were used to modify polysulfone (PS) ultrafiltration membranes. In fouling experiments using an oil/water emulsion, membranes exhibited comparable fouling resistance to that of polydopamine (pDA)-modified membranes. Based on contact angle measurements, p(BQ-EDR 148) and pDA-modified membranes have similar levels of hydrophilicity, and both exhibited higher threshold flux values than those of their unmodified analogues. Based on their similar threshold flux values, p(BQ-EDR 148)-modified (76 LMH) and pDA-modified membranes (74 LMH) should have similar fouling resistance. Moreover, the mean pore size of p(BQ-EDR 148)-modified membranes can be tuned, while keeping the pure water permeance constant, by changing the deposition time and molar ratio of benzoquinone to EDR 148 in the modification solution.

Automated summary

Membrane fouling is a significant challenge in membrane separations, and hydrophilic membrane surface modification can enhance fouling resistance. This study presents a new hydrophilic membrane coating based on 1,4-benzoquinone and polyetheramines for modifying polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes. The results show that the modified membranes exhibit comparable fouling resistance to polydopamine-modified membranes, indicating the potential of these coatings in mitigating fouling.