The zwitterionic homopolymer poly[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl-dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide was coated onto the surface of commercial polyamide reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. Aqueous solutions of the polymer at different concentrations were applied to modify the polyamide membranes through an in situ surface coating procedure. After membrane modification, cross-flow filtration testing was used to test the antifouling potential of the modified membranes. The obtained data were compared with experimental data for unmodified membranes. Each test was done by cross-flow filtering tap water for 60 hours. Yeast extract was added as a nutrient source for the naturally occurring bacteria in tap water, to accelerate bacteria growth. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, contact angle, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and permeation tests were employed to characterize membrane properties. The results confirmed that modifying the membranes enhanced their antifouling properties and cleaning efficiency, the fouling resistance to bacteria improving due to the increased hydrophilicity of the membrane surface after coating. In addition, the water permeability and salt rejection improved. This in situ surface treatment approach for RO membranes could be very important for modifying membranes in their original module assemblies as it increases water production and reduces the salt content.
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Research Article|
April 30 2015
Surface modification of reverse osmosis membranes with zwitterionic polymer to reduce biofouling Available to Purchase
Ahmed E. Abdelhamid;
Ahmed E. Abdelhamid
1Polymers and Pigments Department, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
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Mahmoud M. Elawady;
Mahmoud M. Elawady
1Polymers and Pigments Department, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
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Mahmoud Ahmed Abd El-Ghaffar;
Mahmoud Ahmed Abd El-Ghaffar
1Polymers and Pigments Department, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
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Abdelgawad M. Rabie;
Abdelgawad M. Rabie
2Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Poul Larsen;
Poul Larsen
3Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Frederiks Bajers Vej 7H, DK-9000 Aalborg, Denmark
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Morten Lykkegaard Christensen
3Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Frederiks Bajers Vej 7H, DK-9000 Aalborg, Denmark
E-mail: [email protected]
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Water Supply (2015) 15 (5): 999–1010.
Article history
Received:
January 22 2015
Accepted:
April 14 2015
Citation
Ahmed E. Abdelhamid, Mahmoud M. Elawady, Mahmoud Ahmed Abd El-Ghaffar, Abdelgawad M. Rabie, Poul Larsen, Morten Lykkegaard Christensen; Surface modification of reverse osmosis membranes with zwitterionic polymer to reduce biofouling. Water Supply 1 October 2015; 15 (5): 999–1010. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/ws.2015.055
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