Enhancing the performance of TFC nanofiltration membranes by adding organic acids in polysulfone support layer

Abstract Throughout this study, the effect of certain organic acids, methacrylic acid, lactic acid and tartaric acid, doped in polysulfone (PSF) casting solution onto the performance of nanofiltration (NF) membranes was investigated. Different NF membranes have been prepared from m-phenylenediamine and trimesoylchloride onto the top surface of the acid-modified PSF membranes through regulating the concentration and contact time of the conventional interfacial polymerization process. The study of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the influence of acids on the morphology of membranes and cross-sectional structures. The functional groups, hydroxyl and carboxylic acid, of the acids have resulted in a significant increase in membrane thickness, porosity and hydrophilicity, with a decrease in macrovoid capacity of the PSF layer. The acid-modified PSF/TFC membranes showed higher rejection of salt, with an increment in water flux compared to the neat membrane. Water flux and salt rejection (Rs %) of the control membrane was 7.6 L/m2 h and 65.4%, whereas polysulfone/methacrylic acid (PSF/MAAc), polysulfone/tartaric acid (PSF/TAc), and polysulfone/lactic acid (PSF/LAc) were 16.8, 18.5, and 20.2 L/m2 h and 88, 88.2 and 94.1%, respectively. Efficiency of prepared NF membranes under various inlet pressures and specific salts was investigated with selectivity and salt rejection. The salt rejection of a mixed salt solution was found to meet the order of Rs % CaSO4 ≥ Rs % Na2SO4 ˃ Rs % MgSO4 ˃ Rs MgCl2 ˃ Rs % NaCl.