The active layers of reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) membranes undergo reactions with constituents present in feed waters that could affect their physico-chemical properties including degree of polymer crosslinking, pore size distribution, concentration of charged functional groups, and degree of hydrophilicity/phobicity.  In turn, these transformations could result in changes in membrane performance with respect to both water permeability and solute rejection.  This presentation will discuss novel approaches based on the use of Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry to characterize changes in the active layer of RO/NF membranes resulting from exposure to oxidizing agents used for biofouling control and to the secondary oxidants produced from the reaction of disinfectants and common feed water constituents (e.g., bromide, iodide).  The presentation will also address how fouling with macromolecules of given sizes affects membrane active layer properties.  Changes in RO/NF membrane performance with changes in the physico-chemical properties of their active layers will be illustrated.

Changes in RO/NF membrane performance resulting from physicochemical transformation of their active layers

246th National Meeting (2013)

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