Fabrication and characterization of a surface-patterned thin film composite membrane

•Thin film composite membrane was synthesized by interfacial polymerization on nanoimprinted ultrafiltration membrane.•The patterned TFC membrane has a permselectivity between typical RO and NF TFC membranes.•Surface pattern can reduce concentration polarization and scaling during salt solution filtration.

Thin film composite (TFC) membranes are critical components for reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) processes. Similar to other liquid-based filtration membranes, TFC membranes are susceptible to concentration polarization and fouling/scaling. Recently, surface topography modification has been shown as a potential approach for fouling mitigation. However, for TFC membranes, tailoring the surface topography remains a challenge. Here, we demonstrate for the first time, successful fabrication of a patterned TFC membrane. A two-step fabrication process was carried out by (1) nanoimprinting a polyethersulfone (PES) support, and (2) forming a thin dense film atop the PES support via interfacial polymerization (IP) with trimesoyl chloride and 1,3-phenylenediamine solutions. Chemical, topographic, and permeation characterization was performed on the imprinted IP membranes, and their permselectivity was compared with that of a flat (non-imprinted) TFC membrane prepared using the same IP procedure.

Graphical abstractTFC membrane was fabricated for the first time by interfacial polymerization on nanoimprinted ultrafiltration membrane. Topographic, chemical and permselective properties of the surface patterned TFC membrane were characterized systematically. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (191 K)Download as PowerPoint slide