Forward Osmosis (FO) technology has been intensively studied for seawater desalination and wastewater treatment. It utilizes the osmotic pressure difference of two solutions separated by a semi-permeable membrane to induce spontaneous movement of water molecules from the less concentrated solution (feed solution) to the other solution (draw solution) while most solutes are rejected by the FO membrane. The selection of a suitable draw solute can greatly influence the efficiency of FO. Magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with hydrophilic molecules may generate high osmotic pressures. Although draw solute based on magnetic nanoparticles can be regenerated using magnetic fields, high field strength is generally required. Therefore, we designed a new class of �smart� draw solute -- thermoresponsive polymer-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. With the assistance of thermal stimuli-induced aggregation, the nanoparticle draw solute can be readily recovered. In this presentation, our recent efforts on the fabrication of stimuli-responsive FO draw solutes will be discussed.

Thermoresponsive nanostructures as “smart” draw solutes in forward osmosis

245th National Meeting (2013)

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