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Membranes
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Novel Membranes for Environmental Application
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Novel Membranes for Environmental Application

A special issue of Membranes (ISSN 2077-0375). This special issue belongs to the section "Membrane Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2022) | Viewed by 17717

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Zhaoxiang Zhong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Specialized Separation Membranes, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 210009, China
Interests: novel membranes for environmental application; membrane integrated technology; membrane fouling control

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Conceptualization and methodology development of new materials accompany the great promotion of novel membranes, which has demonstrated great potential for environmental application. For example, metal organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, 2D nanosheets, 1D nanomaterials, etc. have been employed to fabricate or modify membranes. Membrane fabrication strategies are also constantly breaking through, which has substantially positive significance for breaking the trade-off effect for membrane basic properties and application performance. Such rapid development of new materials and membrane fabrication processes will further enlarge the membrane product list and membrane application fields, as well as the development of theoretical basis.   

To encourage the green development of membrane-related fields, this Special Issue will emphasize the importance of novel membranes for environmental applications. Original contributions and reviews related to multifunction membranes and their applications, mainly for air cleaning, CO2 capture, separation, and utilization, wastewater treatment, and gas pollutant treatment are welcomed. 

Prof. Dr. Zhaoxiang Zhong
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Membranes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Multifunction membrane
  • Novel membrane
  • Mixed matrix membrane
  • Membrane preparation
  • Membrane modification
  • Gas cleaning
  • Wastewater treatment
  • Catalytic membrane
  • Membrane process

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 170 KiB  
Editorial
Novel Membranes for Environmental Application
by Dong Zou and Zhaoxiang Zhong
Membranes 2022, 12(6), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12060623 - 15 Jun 2022
Viewed by 1421
Abstract
Membrane-based separations for water purification and gas separation have been applied extensively to address the global challenges of water scarcity and the pollution of aquatic and air environments [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Membranes for Environmental Application)

Research

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13 pages, 5413 KiB  
Article
Polyvinylidene Fluoride Membrane with a Polyvinylpyrrolidone Additive for Tofu Industrial Wastewater Treatment in Combination with the Coagulation–Flocculation Process
by Irfan Purnawan, Derryadi Angputra, Septiana Crista Debora, Eva Fathul Karamah, Arifina Febriasari and Sutrasno Kartohardjono
Membranes 2021, 11(12), 948; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11120948 - 30 Nov 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2783
Abstract
Wastewater from the tofu industry contains many pollutants that are very harmful to the environment, significantly endangering aquatic life and producing a pungent odor. This study aims to prepare a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane with the additive polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and utilize it to [...] Read more.
Wastewater from the tofu industry contains many pollutants that are very harmful to the environment, significantly endangering aquatic life and producing a pungent odor. This study aims to prepare a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane with the additive polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and utilize it to treat tofu wastewater in the ultrafiltration (UF) process. Flat sheet membranes were prepared using PVDF that was dissolved in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and then combined with the additive material of PVP at the varying compositions of 14.9/0.1, 14.85/0.15, and 14.8/0.2 g of PVDF/gram of PVP. The addition of PVP was proposed to improve the properties of the membranes. Characterization by scanning electron microscope (SEM), water contact angle, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed on the PVDF/PVP membrane flat sheet in order to understand and compare changes in the physical and chemical properties that occurred in the membrane. Prior to the UF process, the tofu wastewater was treated by a coagulation–flocculation process through a jar tester using poly aluminum chloride (PAC) as a coagulant. Based on the membrane characterization, the addition of PVP improved the physical and chemical properties of membranes. The pore size of the membrane becomes larger, which could increase permeability as well as the flux value. The TSS and turbidity of the water produced in the UF process decreased with an increase in feed pressure due to a greater driving force generated to facilitate the penetration of the suspended solids. The UF results showed that the effect of PVP on water flux was greatest for the 14.85/0.15 PVDF/PVP membrane for both pure and wastewater. In addition, the highest percentage of rejection for TSS and turbidity were observed in the 14.9/0.1 PVDF/PVP membrane and rejection for TDS was indicated in the 14.8/0.2 PVDF/PVP membrane. Meanwhile, the resulting pH decreased slightly across all samples as feed pressure increased. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Membranes for Environmental Application)
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27 pages, 38864 KiB  
Article
An In Situ Incorporation of Acrylic Acid and ZnO Nanoparticles into Polyamide Thin Film Composite Membranes for Their Effect on Membrane pH Responsive Behavior
by Kgolofelo I. Malatjie, Bhekani S. Mbuli, Richard M. Moutloali and Catherine J. Ngila
Membranes 2021, 11(12), 910; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11120910 - 23 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1829
Abstract
This paper focuses on an in situ interfacial polymerization modification of polyamide thin film composite membranes with acrylic acid (AA) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. Consequent to this modification, the modified polyamide thin film composite (PA–TFC) membranes exhibited enhanced water permeability and Pb [...] Read more.
This paper focuses on an in situ interfacial polymerization modification of polyamide thin film composite membranes with acrylic acid (AA) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. Consequent to this modification, the modified polyamide thin film composite (PA–TFC) membranes exhibited enhanced water permeability and Pb (II) heavy metal rejection. For example, the 0.50:1.50% ZnO/AA modified membranes showed water permeability of 29.85 ± 0.06 L·m−2·h−1·kPa−1 (pH 3), 4.16 ± 0.39 L·m−2·h−1·kPa−1 (pH 7), and 2.80 ± 0.21 L·m−2·h−1·kPa−1 1 (pH 11). This demonstrated enhanced pH responsive properties, and improved water permeability properties against unmodified membranes (2.29 ± 0.59 L·m−2·h−1·kPa−1, 1.79 ± 0.27 L·m−2·h−1·kPa−1, and 0.90 ± 0.21 L·m−2·h−1·kPa−1, respectively). Furthermore, the rejection of Pb (II) ions by the modified PA–TFC membranes was found to be 16.11 ± 0.12% (pH 3), 30.58 ± 0.33% (pH 7), and 96.67 ± 0.09% (pH 11). Additionally, the membranes modified with AA and ZnO/AA demonstrated a significant pH responsiveness compared to membranes modified with only ZnO nanoparticles and unmodified membranes. As such, this demonstrated the swelling behavior due to the inherent “gate effect” of the modified membranes. This was illustrated by the rejection and water permeation behavior, hydrophilic properties, and ion exchange capacity of the modified membranes. The pH responsiveness for the modified membranes was due to the –COOH and –OH functional groups introduced by the AA hydrogel and ZnO nanoparticles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Membranes for Environmental Application)
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11 pages, 2904 KiB  
Article
Removal of Ibuprofen at Low Concentration Using a Newly Formulated Emulsion Liquid Membrane
by Abdul Latif Ahmad, Mohd Hazarel Zairy Mohd Harun, Mohd Khairul Akmal Jasni and Nur Dina Zaulkiflee
Membranes 2021, 11(10), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11100740 - 28 Sep 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2095
Abstract
Ibuprofen (IBP) is a pharmaceutical product that is widely prescribed as an over-the-counter painkiller. It has been classified as a contaminant of emerging concern (CEC) that has received global attention in the search for a better wastewater separation technology. The emulsion liquid membrane [...] Read more.
Ibuprofen (IBP) is a pharmaceutical product that is widely prescribed as an over-the-counter painkiller. It has been classified as a contaminant of emerging concern (CEC) that has received global attention in the search for a better wastewater separation technology. The emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) is one of the potential solutions for IBP removal from wastewater owing to its advantages, such as the ability to remove a highly soluble solute, energy efficient and tuneable formulation. To develop this ELM, a series of parameters such as stirring speed, emulsification time, organic to internal phase volume ratio (O/I), internal phase concentration, carrier concentration and surfactant concentration were studied. The extraction was carried out for 15 min stirring time and the concentration of IBP in the feed phase was determined using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The optimum formulation for the ELM was found at 300 rpm stirring speed, 20 min emulsification time, 3:1 of O/I, 0.1 M ammonia, NH3 (stripping agent), 6 wt% trioctylamine, TOA (carrier) and 2 wt% sorbitan monooleate, Span 80 (non-ionic surfactant). IBP removal of 89% was achieved at the optimum parameters of ELM. The current research demonstrated that a newly formulated ELM has great potential in removing a low concentration IBP from wastewater. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Membranes for Environmental Application)
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18 pages, 4394 KiB  
Article
Isotherm and Electrochemical Properties of Atrazine Sensing Using PVC/MIP: Effect of Porogenic Solvent Concentration Ratio
by Nuur Fahanis Che Lah, Abdul Latif Ahmad, Siew Chun Low and Nur Dina Zaulkiflee
Membranes 2021, 11(9), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11090657 - 26 Aug 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2638
Abstract
Widespread atrazine use is associated with an increasing incidence of contamination of drinking water. Thus, a biosensor using molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) was developed to detect the amount of atrazine in water to ensure prevention of exposure levels that could lead to reproductive [...] Read more.
Widespread atrazine use is associated with an increasing incidence of contamination of drinking water. Thus, a biosensor using molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) was developed to detect the amount of atrazine in water to ensure prevention of exposure levels that could lead to reproductive effects in living organisms. In this study, the influence of the porogen on the selectivity of MIPs was investigated. The porogen plays a pivotal role in molecular imprinting as it affects the physical properties and governs the prepolymerization complex of the resulting polymer, which in turn firmly defines the recognition properties of the resulting molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP). Therefore, bulk MIPs against atrazine (Atr) were synthesized based on methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer and ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinker; they were prepared in toluene and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The imprinting factor, binding capacity, and structural stability were evaluated using the respective porogenic solvents. Along with the characterization of the morphology of the obtained polymers via SEM and BET analysis, the kinetic and adsorption analyses were demonstrated and verified. The highest imprinting factor, binding capacity, and the highest structural stability were found to be on polymer synthesized in a medium of MAA and EGDMA, which contained 90% toluene and 10% DMSO as porogen. Moreover, the response for Atr concentrations by the PVC-based electrochemical sensor was found to be at a detection limit of 0.0049 μM (S/N = 3). The sensor proved to be an effective sensor with high sensitivity and low Limit of Detection (LOD) for Atr detection. The construction of the sensor will act as a baseline for a fully functionalized membrane sensor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Membranes for Environmental Application)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

34 pages, 5838 KiB  
Review
Recent Development and Environmental Applications of Nanocellulose-Based Membranes
by Syafiqah Syazwani Jaffar, Suryani Saallah, Mailin Misson, Shafiquzzaman Siddiquee, Jumardi Roslan, Sariah Saalah and Wuled Lenggoro
Membranes 2022, 12(3), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12030287 - 1 Mar 2022
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 6220
Abstract
Extensive research and development in the production of nanocellulose production, a green, bio-based, and renewable biomaterial has paved the way for the development of advanced functional materials for a multitude of applications. From a membrane technology perspective, the exceptional mechanical strength, high crystallinity, [...] Read more.
Extensive research and development in the production of nanocellulose production, a green, bio-based, and renewable biomaterial has paved the way for the development of advanced functional materials for a multitude of applications. From a membrane technology perspective, the exceptional mechanical strength, high crystallinity, tunable surface chemistry, and anti-fouling behavior of nanocellulose, manifested from its structural and nanodimensional properties are particularly attractive. Thus, an opportunity has emerged to exploit these features to develop nanocellulose-based membranes for environmental applications. This review provides insights into the prospect of nanocellulose as a matrix or as an additive to enhance membrane performance in water filtration, environmental remediation, and the development of pollutant sensors and energy devices, focusing on the most recent progress from 2017 to 2022. A brief overview of the strategies to tailor the nanocellulose surface chemistry for the effective removal of specific pollutants and nanocellulose-based membrane fabrication approaches are also presented. The major challenges and future directions associated with the environmental applications of nanocellulose-based membranes are put into perspective, with primary emphasis on advanced multifunctional membranes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Membranes for Environmental Application)
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