Use of polyelectrolyte layer-by-layer assemblies as nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes

Measurements of ion transport and water flux across ultrathin multilayered membranes of polyelectrolytes were carried out under nanofiltration and reverse osmosis conditions. The polyelectrolyte membranes were prepared upon alternating electrostatic layer-by-layer adsorption of polyvinylamine (PVA) and polyvinyl sulfate (PVS) on porous supports. The pressure-driven transport of aqueous electrolyte solutions containing NaCl, Na2SO4, MgCl2, and MgSO4 in 1 and 10 mM concentration was investigated. For MgCl2 and MgSO4, a complete rejection was observed independently from the concentration of the feed solution and the pressure applied. For NaCl and Na2SO4, the rejections were 84 and 96% at 5 bar, and 93.5 and 98.5% at 40 bar, respectively. The hydraulic permeability of the composite membrane was 113.7 mL/(m(2) h bar). It was only little affected by the presence of salt. At low and moderate pressure the membranes are suitable for water softening applications, while at pressures of 40 bar or higher they can be used for water desalination. Effects of the stirring of the feed solution on the membrane characteristics are also discussed.