Maximal pore size in UF membranes

The ultrafiltration membrane rejection capability is most often characterized by molecular weight cut-off (MWCO). The value is found by rejection of organic solutes and the evaluation of particle retention requires a conversion of either MWCO to pore size or particle diameter to molecular weight. The conversion affects the accuracy of reported values and results in a gap between reported and measured retentions.We suggest a novel, simple and effective pore size test based on synthesis and membrane transfer of rigid nanoparticles. Gold and silver 3–50 nm monodispersions had delivered a comprehensive pore size distribution including d100, a pore diameter for which a membrane has a 100% retention capability. The maximal pore size in UF membrane structure can hardly be detected with other methods although it is much needed for precise separation analysis.The d100 values in tested UF membranes vary between 40 nm and 50 nm depending on the membrane material. The polymer membranes are more flexible than the ceramics and their d100 is usually much higher than MWCO. The d100 increases with high transmembrane pressure or after oxidative chemical cleaning. For some membranes the d100 values can be correlated with d90 but not with d50.

► Monodispersions of Au3+ Ag+ nanoparticles help evaluate the UF membrane pore size distribution.
► The absolute pore size d100 is determined by the particle retained with 100% efficiency.
► The d100 in polymer membranes increases after oxidative cleaning or high TMP.
► The absolute pore size in tested polymer UF membranes is within 40–50 nm range.
► The d100 in polymer membranes is much higher than converted MWCO value.