Novel solvent-resistant nanofiltration membranes using MPD co-crosslinked polyimide for efficient desalination

Solvent-resistant nanofiltration (NF) membranes have numerous application prospects. In this study, a novel solvent-resistant nanofiltration membrane with a double layered polyamide structure was prepared for efficient desalination. The substrate was polyimide crosslinked with m-phenylenediamine (MPD), and the surface layer was polyamide prepared by typical interfacial polymerization. The crosslinking was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Investigation of the effects of different reaction conditions on membrane performance showed that the optimal reaction conditions were found to be: 5% aqueous MPD solution with crosslinking time of 10 min and piperazine concentration of 0.1% (m/v). The rejection rate for sodium sulfate and sodium chloride were 99.13% and 97.45%, respectively. The membrane morphologies were studied by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The membrane showed electronegativity in the pH range of 3.0–10.0 and its contact angle was 54.28°, indicating excellent hydrophilicity. After soaking in several solvents for a week, the membrane still had a high rejection rate of more than 90% for Na2SO4, demonstrating its excellent solvent resistance.