In this study, we used graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets to modify a polyamide membrane and tested its in-situ regeneration in a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane system. An RO membrane was modified through layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of positively charged poly(ethyleneimine) and negatively charged GO until 2 bilayers were deposited onto the membrane surface. It has been demonstrated that such surface modification by GO can result in enhanced antifouling and improved contaminant removal capabilities for polyamide membranes, without negatively affecting the membrane permeability. Since the electrostatic interactions within the GO layer are reversible, we experimented the removal of GO layers in fouled conditions through osmotic backwashing, followed by the membrane regeneration by performing LbL assembly of GO <i>in situ</i> to fully restore membrane performance.  Since this advanced fouling mitigation strategy involves the physical removal of the surface layer beneath the fouling layer, this strategy could be applied to the removal of a wide variety of foulants. Additionally, due to the ease of surface modifying RO membranes with GO, this strategy could be rapidly adopted throughout the industry using the pre-existing RO infrastructure. Especially as alternative water sources become a critical component of our water systems, the development of a regenerable GO-RO membrane could be foundational for a new generation of water treatment technologies responsible for securing future water supplies.

Membrane surface modification by graphene oxide: <i>In situ</i> regeneration for ultimate fouling control

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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Membrane surface modification by graphene oxide: In situ regeneration for ultimate fouling control