Multilayered surface modification of anion exchange membrane by MoS2 flakes for improved antifouling performance

Surface modification of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) is a classic method to improve antifouling performance. However, the transport resistance of ions is elevated due to the addition of modified layer. Herein, a series of antifouling AEMs were designed via multilayered surface modification of commercial AEMs. Owing to the inherent hydrophilicity and electronegativity, MoS2 flakes are picked as functional materials and electrodeposited on the surface of commercial AEMs to improve the antifouling performance. Meanwhile, rigid, irregular, and small-sized MoS2 flakes tend to the formation of loose structure, thus decreasing the loss of ion transport ability. Polydopamine (PDA) is coated on the surface of MoS2 modified AEMs to enhance the long-term stability of AEMs. Compared to commercial AEMs, the obtained AEMs display superior antifouling performance without obviously affecting desalination performance. Particularly, PDA@MoS2 modified AEM only offers a 9% reduction in desalination rate, while the desalination rate is 1.88 times of that of commercial AEMs after antifouling experiments. This study may provide a source of inspiration for fabricating high-performance membranes with improved antifouling performance among various separation applications. (C) 2021 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The surface modification of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) is a classic method to improve antifouling performance, but it can elevate the transport resistance of ions. A series of antifouling AEMs were designed via multilayered surface modification with MoS2 flakes as functional materials and PDA coating to enhance long-term stability. The obtained AEMs display superior antifouling performance without significantly affecting desalination performance, showing a promising potential for high-performance membranes in various separation applications.