Nanoscale control of internal inhomogeneity enhances water transport in desalination membranes
Biological membranes can achieve remarkably high permeabilities, while maintaining ideal selectivities, by relying on well-defined internal nanoscale structures in the form of membrane proteins. Here, we apply such design strategies to desalination membranes. A series of polyamide desalination membranes - which were synthesized in an industrial-scale manufacturing line and varied in processing conditions but retained similar chemical compositions - show increasing water permeability and active layer thickness with constant sodium chloride selectivity. Transmission electron microscopy measurements enabled us to determine nanoscale three-dimensional polyamide density maps and predict water permeability with zero adjustable parameters. Density fluctuations are detrimental to water transport, which makes systematic control over nanoscale polyamide inhomogeneity a key route to maximizing water permeability without sacrificing salt selectivity in desalination membranes.
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| Work Title | Nanoscale control of internal inhomogeneity enhances water transport in desalination membranes |
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| License | In Copyright (Rights Reserved) |
| Work Type | Article |
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| Publication Date | January 1, 2021 |
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| Deposited | November 23, 2021 |
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