Electrically conducting carbon nanotube � polyvinyl alcohol composite ultrafiltration membranes are demonstrated to have superior anti-fouling properties when treating waters containing high concentrations of organic foulants. Here, we describe a simple route to fabricating these membranes, along with detailed material and surface characterization, as well as performance characteristics. The membranes boast high electrical conductivity (1,600 S/m) with rejection properties similar to a typical UF membrane. To test the membrane's ability to prevent organic fouling, we exposed the membranes to high concentrations of alginate (5 g/L) or emulsified crude oil (0.5 g/L). We demonstrate that the application of a negative potential to the membrane surface significantly reduces membrane fouling. The presence of electrolytes in the water changes the anti-fouling behavior of the membranes. In addition to our experimental results, we model the electrostatic forces in our system and use the modeling results to explain our experimental outcomes. These membranes potentially offer significant benefits in the areas of wastewater reuse and energy-related wastewater treatment.

Fouling inhibition on electrically conducting carbon nanotube � polyvinyl alcohol composite ultrafiltration membranes

248th National Meeting (2014)

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