Evaluation of thin-film nanocomposite RO membranes using TiO2 nanotubes and TiO2 nanoparticles: A comparative study

Jungchan Kim, Youngbin Baek, Sung Pil Hong, Hongsik Yoon, Seonghwan Kim, Choonsoo Kim, Jiye Kim, Jeyong Yoon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) reverse osmosis (RO) membranes have gained attention due to their enhanced membrane performances in permeate flux and salt rejection. The structural shape of nanocomposites, such as particles and nanotubes, has been thought to have critical roles in improving their performances. However, the effects of the structural properties on membrane performance have yet to be verified. Herein, we reported the structural effects of nanocomposites on the performance of TFN RO membranes fabricated with TiO2 nanotubes (TNT) and TiO2 nanoparticles (TNP). The TFN RO membranes containing TNT or TNP exhibited similar high hydrophilicities and enhanced water permeability compared with a conventional RO membrane. In terms of membrane performance, the TNT TFN RO membranes had better water permeability than the TNP TFN RO membranes. Compared with non-porous TNP, 80-nm diameter nanochannels of TNT provided additional enhanced water permeability by serving as water transport passageways.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)24674-24681
Number of pages8
JournalDesalination and Water Treatment
Volume57
Issue number51
StatePublished - Nov 2016
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Balaban Desalination Publications. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Permeate flux
  • Thin-film nanocomposite RO membrane
  • TiO nanoparticle
  • TiO nanotube

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Evaluation of thin-film nanocomposite RO membranes using TiO2 nanotubes and TiO2 nanoparticles: A comparative study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this