Effective Antiscaling Performance of ACTF/Nylon 6, 12 Nanofiltration Composite Membrane: Adsorption, Membrane Performance, and Antifouling Property

Inorganic fouling is recognized as a serious challenge in different membrane desalination technologies. It not only reduces the permeate flux and membrane productivity but also significantly decreases the membrane lifespan and increases the energy and feed pressure requirement, and replacement costs. In this study, the activated carbon thin film (ACTF) as a new carbon nanostructure was synthesized and used as an adsorbent in activated carbon thin film/thin-film nano-filtration composite membrane (ACTF/TFNF). This study is aimed mainly for synthesis of multifunctional adsorptive membranes using the non-solvent phase separation (NIPS) technique, by modifying cotton-cellulosic waste to prepare ACTF, then combining it with Nylon 6, 12, as desalination layer of multifunctional (ACTF/TFNF) composite membrane. The prepared membrane (ACTF/TFNF) was characterized systematically by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis, contact angle, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM examinations on membrane samples showed that the membrane surface was entirely covered by a thin layer of sludge-type deposits. While the ACTF as an active layer improves the composite membrane purification efficiency, the decrease in permeate flux has been examined in the investigation of CaCO3 formation on prepared membranes. The aqueous solutions have been examined in a laboratory reverse osmosis cell for calcium carbonate precipitation. The membrane had a high reject ratio of 98.85 +/- 0.18% that enhanced the efficiency of its anti-fouling efficiency. Moreover, at high pressures, the composite ACTF membrane enhanced flux stability in the desalination of seawater over blank membranes used for desalinating brackish water.

Automated summary

In this study, a novel composite membrane containing activated carbon thin film (ACTF) as an adsorbent was developed to enhance desalination efficiency and anti-fouling properties. By modifying waste materials to prepare ACTF and combining it with Nylon, the multifunctional membrane demonstrated improved purification efficiency and stability in desalination processes, even under high pressure conditions. Additionally, SEM examinations revealed a thin layer of sludge-type deposits on the membrane surface, indicating the successful prevention of inorganic fouling.