Electrically conductive polymer-nanocomposite reverse osmosis thin film membranes were demonstrated to completely prevent biofilm formation under extreme bacteria and organic material loadings. A simple route to the creation and application of these polyamide-carbon nanotube thin films is also reported. These polymer nanocomposite thin film materials boast high electrical conductivity (~400 S/m), good NaCl rejection (>95%), and high water permeability. Biofilm-induced, non-reversible flux decline was observed in all control experiments and a cross-flow rinse with the feed solution failed to induce flux recovery. In contrast, flux decrease for the electrically charged membranes was only caused by deposition of bacteria rather than bacterial attachment, and flux was fully recoverable following a short rinse with the feed solution and no added cleaning agents. The prevention of biofilm formation on the electrically conducting membranes was a long-term effect, did not decrease with use, and was highly reproducible.

Electrically conducting nanocomposite polymer thin film reverse osmosis membranes for biofilm prevention

245th National Meeting (2013)

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