正向渗透膜分离技术及其应用综述

正向渗透是一项新型的利用半透膜两侧溶液渗透压差作为驱动力的膜分离技术。文章介绍了正向渗透膜分离技术的原理和影响因素,对其在各个领域(包括海水淡化、废水处理、橙汁浓缩、水袋)的研究进展进行了综述。现有的研究表明,可用于正向渗透工艺的膜不同于常规的反渗透膜,需要从膜结构开发适合的膜组件;采用NH3和CO2制备提取液是目前研究中具有应用前途的方式之一,具有产水率高且易于分离浓缩的优点。     

正渗透过程中汲取质反向渗透研究进展

正渗透(FO)作为一种浓度驱动的膜技术,因其膜污染轻、能耗低和回收率高等优点而逐渐成为膜技术领域的研究热点之一。汲取质的反向渗透是正渗透过程中不可忽视的现象,但其研究相对比较滞后。本文主要介绍了汲取质反渗模型的研究进展,分析了渗透压差、膜表面流速、膜结构与膜材料、温度、汲取质种类、膜取向、离子水力半径等因素对汲取质反向渗透的影响情况,并发现汲取质的反向渗透通量可由其浓度或汲取液渗透压的一元多项式表达。总体而言,FO模式的汲取质反渗模型经过不断发展已相对比较完善,而压力阻尼渗透(PRO)模式的反渗模型则缺陷较大,有待进一步研究;此外,关于汲取质反渗过程影响因素及其影响机制的研究对于汲取质、膜材料的选择与开发,以及正渗透过程的优化均具有重要的指导作用,因此会引起越来越多的关注。     

Osmotic concentration of succinic acid by forward osmosis: Influence of feed solution pH and evaluation of seawater as draw solution

In this study, we investigated the essential role of feed solution pH so as to gain insights into the transport mechanisms of succinic acid concentration by osmotically-driven forward osmosis(FO) process. FO performances including water flux and bidirectional transport of succinate and chloride anions were systematically examined using cellulose triacetate-based FO membrane. Additionally, real seawater was explored as draw solution. Experimental results revealed that the p H-dependent speciation of succinic acid can affect the FO performances. Ionization of succinic acid at higher solution p H enhanced the osmotic pressure of feed solution, thus leading to lower water flux performance. A strong effect was pointed out on the succinate rejection for which nearly 100% rejections were achieved at p H above its pK_(a2) value. The rejection of succinate increased in the following order of chemical form: C_2H_4 C_2O_4H_2 C_2H_4C_2O_4H~ˉ C_2H_4C_2O_4~(2-).With real seawater as the draw solution, low to moderate water fluxes(4 L·m~(-2)·h~(-1)) were observed.The divalent succinate anion was highly retained in the feed side despite differences in the succinic acid feed concentration at p H of approximately 6.90.     

温度对正向渗透的影响机制与数值模拟

正向渗透(FO)是一种以溶液自身渗透压作为推动力的膜分离技术。温度对溶液、膜的性质以及溶液与膜之间的相互作用有很大影响,进而影响FO的水通量。利用数值模拟与试验研究了温度对FO性能的影响。结果表明,当膜两侧等温时,FO水通量随着温度的升高而增大;当膜两侧不等温时,原液(FS)一侧温度的影响比提取液(DS)一侧更大,主要是因为温度升高降低了溶液黏度,强化了过膜扩散过程,而温度对DS渗透压的影响不明显。在不同温度条件下,FO水通量和热通量随流量的增大而增大,主要是由于流速的增大压缩膜表面的流体边界层,强化了传质和传热过程。     

刮刀厚度对聚酰胺正渗透复合膜性能的影响

为考察正渗透过程基膜厚度对膜水通量的作用,有效地提高膜的综合性能,采用浓度2 mol/L的NaCl作为汲取液、去离子水为原料液作为评价系统,考察了刮刀厚度不同对正渗透复合膜性能的影响。结果表明,以筛孔80μm的筛网作为支撑材料,当采用厚度为45μm的刮刀所制备的超滤膜作为支撑材料时,制备所得的正渗透复合膜性能为佳,结构参数S可低至1.086 mm;并具有最好的稳定性以及最佳的污染冲洗恢复效果。     

正渗透水处理关键技术研究进展

正渗透是一种新型的膜分离技术,其分离的驱动力来源于原料液和汲取液之间自然存在的渗透压差,近年来正渗透技术已在国际上得到广泛关注。简述了基于此技术的正渗透水处理过程的基本原理,指出了这种新型水处理过程的关键技术——正渗透膜和汲取液,根据各自的技术特点对其进行分类概述,并从实验室基础研究和技术的商业化进程两方面介绍了这两项关键技术取得的最新研究进展。从水通量角度对不同体系进行了简单比较,分析了各材料和方法的优缺点,并对它们的应用前景进行了展望。     

Optimization of the Forward Osmosis Process Using Aquaporin Membranes in Chromium Removal

Due to the lack of affordable and feasible wastewater treatment technologies, various industries in developing countries are discharging chromium (Cr) without meeting the environmental standards. Here, the aim was to employ forward osmosis (FO) using aquaporins (AQP)-based biomimetic membranes and optimize the Cr rejection through response surface methodology (RSM). The initial concentration of draw solution, feed solution, and time was selected as independent variables in order to optimize Cr rejection and water flux. A high Cr rejection efficiency and water flux were achieved under the optimal conditions. These results revealed that the FO process applying an AQP membrane beside the RSM could be considered to treat wastewaters containing heavy metals.     

Multi-functional forward osmosis draw solutes for seawater desalination

Forward osmosis (FO), as one of the emerging desalination technologies, has the potential to produce freshwater from a variety of water sources by utilizing the osmotic pressure gradient across a semi-permeable membrane. Drawsolution, as an essential component of any FO process, can extract watermolecules fromseawater orwastewater. An ideal draw solution should meet three essential requirements, namely high osmotic pressure, low reverse flux, and facile regeneration mechanism. The selection of proper draw solutes is especially critical for an energy-efficient FO process since the energy consumption mostly arises from the separation or regeneration of the draw solution. Recently, we developed a few multi-functional FO draw solutes, mainly aiming to enhance the FO water flux and to explore facile re-concentration methods. This review summarizes these draw solutes, including Na⁺-functionalized carbon quantum dots, thermoresponsive copolymers, hydrophilic magnetic nanoparticles, and thermoresponsive magnetic nanoparticles.     

操作条件对正渗透分离性能的影响

正渗透是以渗透压差为驱动力的新型膜分离过程。采用水流分布较佳的膜池结构,研究了膜朝向、流动方式对正渗透水通量性能的影响,结果表明PRO模式（当膜的活性层朝向驱动液时）的水通量明显高于FO模式（当膜的活性层朝向原料液时）,但其衰减程度较大;在溶液浓度差相同的条件下,逆流操作更利于水通量的提高。针对FO模式和逆流条件,探讨了溶液温度对水通量和反向盐通量的影响,结果表明：膜两侧溶液温度同步升高时,正渗透过程的水通量和反向盐通量均增加,且水通量的增加幅度大于反向盐通量;单侧增加溶液的温度时,驱动液侧温度升高对水通量性能的提升效果优于原料液侧。综合考虑过程能耗和系统性能,认为单独升高驱动液温度更具实用价值。     

A thermodynamic benchmark for assessing an emergency drinking water device based on forward osmosis

Following the creation of the first reverse osmosis (RO) membrane in the 1960s, the technique has been widely used for the purposes of both small scale and municipal seawater desalination. Forward osmosis (FO) is now also emerging as a possible contender, with the potential for much lower energy consumption. In this study, we have developed a thermodynamic benchmark for use in assessing the suitability of a potable water system for purifying small amounts of brackish water in emergency situations. The light, portable and re-usable purification system is driven by FO. A pouch is filled with draw solution and immersed in brackish water; the pouch incorporates a traditional RO membrane. The ‘draw solution’ contains digestible salts and/or sugars to provide an osmotic pressure difference across the membrane, thus drawing in purified water across the membrane. Three such draw solutions were produced and tested, allowing the osmotic potential of the solution to be determined over a succession of dilutions. The results could be fitted with a power law function. In order to take account of the solution non-ideality and the non-linearity of flux rates, a thermodynamic relationship was used in conjunction with a membrane transport model to develop a benchmark which describes the ideal behaviour of a FO water system. This benchmark, in conjunction with the power law function, showed that such a system could be used in an emergency to provide safe, potable water in a reasonable time interval and without the need for a power source. The study has also suggested the possibility of a continuous water purification system based upon this principle, and has drawn attention to the benefits of novel draw solutes in such a system.     

正渗透膜分离的研究进展

正渗透是浓度驱动的膜技术,是指水通过选择性渗透膜从高水化学势区域向低水化学势区域的传递过程。本文介绍了正渗透的基本构成（驱动力、汲取液和正渗透膜材料）,指出膜两侧的浓差极化是水通量性能的最大障碍,采用通量模型说明了膜在两种放置方向下存在的内浓差极化和外浓差极化,内浓差极化对驱动力的减小起着重要的作用;论述了膜材料、原料液浓度、汲取液浓度对正渗透和压力延迟渗透水通量的影响;此外,评述了正渗透过程的膜污染和能耗。     

An agent-based simulation with NetLogo platform to evaluate forward osmosis process (PRO Mode)

Forward osmosis (FO), as an emerging technology, is influenced by different factors such as operating conditions, module characteristics, and membrane properties. The general aim of this study was to develop a suitable (flexible, comprehensive, and convenient to use) computational tool which is able to simulate osmosis through an asymmetric membrane oriented in pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) mode in a wide variety of scenarios. For this purpose, an agent-based model was created in NetLogo platform, which is an easy-to-use application environment with graphical visualization abilities and well suited for modeling a complex system evolving over time. The simulation results were validated with empirical data obtained from literature and a great agreement was observed. The effect of various parameters on process performance was investigated in terms of temperature, cross-flow velocity, length of the module, pure water permeability coefficient, and structural parameter of the membrane. Results demonstrated that the increase in all parameters, except structural parameter of the membrane and the length of module led to the increase of average water flux. Moreover, nine different draw solutes were selected in order to assess the influence of net bulk osmotic pressure difference between the draw solution (DS) and feed solution (FS) (known as the driving force of FO process) on water flux. Based on the findings of this paper, the performance of FO process (PRO mode) can be efficiently evaluated using the NetLogo platform.     

Synthesis and application of ethylenediamine tetrapropionic salt as a novel draw solute for forward osmosis application

The development of suitable draw solutes for forward osmosis (FO) process is a big obstacle on the way of its real industrialization. In this work, a novel draw solute, ethylenediamine tetrapropionic (EDTP) acid (salt) is developed for FO application. The successful synthesis is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and high resolution mass spectrum. By optimizing the pH of EDTP solution, its composition is varied, and therefore, its water solubility and osmotic pressure are effectively improved. The effects of EDTP concentration on the osmotic pressure and FO performance are also investigated. Its outstanding osmotic pressure and big molecular size result in a high water flux of 22.69 LMH and a low salt flux of 0.32 gMH with 0.8 M EDTP draw solution (water as the feed solution, pressure retarded osmosis mode). The good stability and easy recovery by nanofiltration of EDTP solution also demonstrate its great potential as the draw solute for future FO applications. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 1309–1321, 2015     

Recent advances in polymer and polymer composite membranes for reverse and forward osmosis processes

Semipermeable membranes are the core elements for membrane water desalination technologies such as commercial reverse osmosis (RO) process and emerging forward osmosis (FO) process. Structural and chemical properties of the semipermeable membranes determine water flux, salt rejection, fouling resistance, and chemical stability, which greatly impact energy consumption and costs in osmosis separation processes. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the development of high-performance polymer and polymer composite membranes for desalination applications. This paper reviews recent advances in different polymer-based RO and FO desalination membranes in terms of materials and strategies developed for improving properties and performances.     

Characteristics and potential applications of a novel forward osmosis hollow fiber membrane

There has been a resurgence of interest in forward osmosis (FO) as a potential means of desalination, dewatering and in pressure retarded osmosis, which Sidney Loeb was advocating over 3 decades ago. This paper describes the characteristics and potential applications of a newly developed FO hollow fiber membrane, which was fabricated by interfacial polymerization on the inner surface of a polyethersulfone (PES) hollow fiber. This FO membrane presents excellent intrinsic separation properties, with a water flux of 42.6 L/m² h using 0.5 M NaCl as the draw solution and DI water as the feed with the active layer facing the draw solution orientation at 23 °C. The corresponding ratio of salt flux to water flux was only 0.094 g/L, which is superior to all other FO membranes reported in the open literature. To evaluate different application scenarios, various NaCl solutions (500 ppm (8.6 mM), 1 wt.% (0.17 M) and 3.5 wt.% (0.59 M)) were used as the feed water to test the performance of the FO membrane. The membrane can achieve a water flux of 12.4 L/m² h with 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution as the feed and 2 M NaCl as the draw solution, suggesting it has good potential for seawater desalination.     

Studies on Concentration of Simulated Ammonium-diuranate Filtered Effluent Solution by Forward Osmosis Using Indigenously Developed Cellulosic Osmosis Membranes

In this study, we discuss the preparations of cellulosic membranes from cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose triacetate (CTA) and cellulose acetate blend (CAB) [blending of CA and CTA] systems and their potential for concentration of simulated ammonium-diuranate (ADU) effluent solution (only uranium and ammonium nitrate) by FO. The membranes are prepared using casting solution of polymers in mixed solvent systems with gelling in ice-cold water followed by annealing in 80°C hot water. Prepared membranes are characterized in terms of separation performance (tested under brackish water reverse osmosis test condition), water contact angle and surface average roughness. The performance of the membranes are evaluated in terms of volume reduction factor using solution of 40,000 ppm of NH₄NO₃ and 20 ppm uranium as feed and 320000ppm of NH₄NO₃ as draw solution. It is found that the volume reduction factor increases in the order of CTA<CAB<CA membranes. The effect of different draw solutions on volume reduction for the same system using CA membrane is also evaluated. Almost no leaching of uranium is found to the draw solution side for all the membranes. Possibility of using the FO process in a simpler way (as membrane pouch) to concentrate this simulated ADU filtered solution has been ascertained.     

An easily recoverable thermo-sensitive polyelectrolyte as draw agent for forward osmosis process

As a potential solution to the crises of energy and resources, forward osmosis(FO) has been limited by the development of draw agents. An ideal draw agent should be able to generate high osmotic pressure and can be easily recovered. In this study, a thermo-sensitive polyelectrolyte of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid)(PNA)is developed as an efficient draw agent, and two easy and simple methods are proposed to effectively recover the polyelectrolytes. After adjusting the pH value of polyelectrolyte solutions to around 6.0, the polyelectrolyte can generate relatively high osmotic pressure, and induce average water fluxes of 2.09 and 2.95 L·m~(-2)·h~(-1) during12 h FO processes when the polyelectrolyte concentrations are 0.20 and 0.38 g·ml~(-1) respectively. After acidifying and heating to 70 °C, the PNA-10 polyelectrolyte can aggregate together because of hydrophobic association and separate from water, so it can be easily recovered by either simple centrifugation or gravitational sedimentation. The recovery ratios of PNA-10 polyelectrolyte in both methods are as high as 89%, and the recovered polyelectrolytes can be reused with almost the same FO performance as fresh ones. The results in this study provide valuable guidance for designing efficient and easily recoverable draw agents for FO processes.     

Potential use of nanofiltration like-forward osmosis membranes for copper ion removal

The discharge of industrial effluent containing heavy metal ions would cause water pollution if such effluent is not properly treated. In this work, the performance of emerging nanofiltration(NF) like-forward osmosis(FO)membrane was evaluated for its efficiency to remove copper ion from water. Conventionally, copper ion is removed from aqueous solution via adsorption and/or ion-exchange method. The engineered osmosis method as proposed in this work considered four commercial NF membranes(i.e., NF90, DK, NDX and PFO) where their separation performances were accessed using synthetic water sample containing 100 mg·L~(-1) copper ion under FO and pressure retarded osmosis(PRO) orientation. The findings indicated that all membranes could achieve almost complete removal of copper regardless of membrane orientation without applying external driving force.The high removal rates were in good agreement with the outcomes of the membranes tested under pressuredriven mode at 1 MPa. The use of appropriate salts as draw solutes enabled the NF membranes to be employed in engineered osmosis process, achieving a relatively low reverse solute flux. The findings showed that the best performing membrane is PFO membrane in which it achieved N 99.4% copper rejection with very minimum reverse solute flux of 1 g·m~(-2)·h~(-1).     

Use of Micellar Solutions as Draw Agents in Forward Osmosis

Recent advances in membrane technologies have enhanced the viability of water treatment strategies that employ semipermeable barriers. Forward osmosis (FO), which exploits the natural osmotic pressure gradient between a “draw” solution and a “feed” solution to produce potable water, offers a low‐energy, low‐cost alternative to more conventional treatment methods. Surfactants, because of their tendencies to aggregate into micelles and to adsorb at interfaces, provide intriguing osmotic pressures and offer exploitable properties by which draw solutions can be regenerated. The effectiveness of surfactant‐based FO using cellulose triacetate membranes has been assessed in terms of water flux and reverse surfactant diffusion using cetylpyridinium chloride, sodium dodecylsulfate, and Triton X‐100. The ratios of water flux to surfactant flux exceeded 600 L mol^?1 for all surfactants studied. Surfactant recoveries of over 99 % were achieved by ultrafiltration using regenerated cellulose membranes.     

正渗透技术研究综述及应用展望

正渗透技术是近年来新兴的水处理技术,其研发初始即指向各种高难度废水的处理回用及物料分离领域,是一项有广阔发展空间的水处理技术。目前对该技术的研究重点集中在膜材料和汲取液的选择上。从正渗透的原理出发,介绍了正渗透膜材质及汲取液的前沿科技成果,分析了未来正渗透膜材质和汲取液选择的方向。最后,总结了正渗透技术的优势,并对正渗透的未来应用做了展望。