Transport properties investigations of nanocomposite membranes incorporating titanate nanowires for water desalination

Abstract

AbstractImprovement of membrane properties is an important issue to enhance the efficiency of water permeation processes. Nanocomposite membranes are gaining prominence in this field due to the particular properties of these materials. In the present study, incorporating titanate nanowires (TNW) into the cellulose acetate (CA) matrix allowed getting a nanocomposite membrane with modified characteristics. Morphologic and physical–chemical properties of the synthesized membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy analysis, presenting a dense, uniform membrane formation with a highly dispersed inorganic phase when low amounts of particles were added. The membranes were tested by measuring water flux and salt rejection. The results showed that the incorporation of inorganic nanostructures into polymer membranes affects their transport properties. It was observed an increase of three times in water flux, reaching from 1.33 to 4.0 L/h m2, with NaCl rejection over 65%. Membranes with such characteristics could be specially designed for nanofiltration or forward osmosis processes as a promising application for water desalination or energy generation.