Design and fabrication of silica-based nanofiltration membranes for water desalination and detoxification

NaCl rejection of inorganic membranes with pore size between 0.5 and 8 nm is modeled as a function of ζ-potential and membrane permeability. Based on simulation results, two silica-based NF membranes with pore size ∼1.5 nm and ζ-potential between 5 and 20 mV are fabricated. The two membranes are tested for their water permeability and for their rejection of NaCl, salts of divalent ions, and two model organic micropollutants. By investigating limits and potential of inorganic membranes in water desalination and detoxification, this work provides new knowledge for their rational design.