Methods of enhancing water flux of a TFC membrane using oxidizing and reducing agents
US10155203B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 2016 |
| Grant date | Dec 18, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02A20/131
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Provided is a post-formation process for preparation of a highly permeable thin film composite membranes for reverse osmosis, particularly for use with brackish water at low energy conditions. The process includes contacting a polyamide discrimination layer of a TFC membrane with a solution containing an oxidizing agent to form a treated membrane, followed by contacting the treated membrane with a solution containing a reducing agent. The resulting membrane exhibits enhanced water flux while maintaining salt rejection. Also provided are reverse osmosis membranes prepared in accord with the method, and modules containing the highly permeable thin film composite membranes, and methods of purifying water using the membranes or modules.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.