Development of novel asymmetric ultra low pressure membranes and a preliminary study for bacteria and pathogen removal applications

In this study, a novel asymmetric ultra low pressure membrane (AULPM) was developed by a phase inversion technique. Using a different concentration of polyethersulfone (PES), the AULPM was developed by a simple dry/wet process. Using a low operating pressure (1–5 bars), the membranes performances that are pure water permeation, flux and salt rejection was measured. Surprisingly, at polymer concentration of about 13% and 3 bars of operating pressure, the AULPM was totally retained the salt solution (NaCl, 0.01 M). In addition, the higher flux rate ranges from 1.57×10−6 to 978.47×10−6 m/s was showed great performances. Morphological analysis of the membranes cross-sectional revealed that, these novel AULPM was provided of great structural properties, excellent separation performances and very promising to be applied for a bacteria and pathogen removals application in future.