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Preparation and Application of Patterned Membranes for Wastewater Treatment
journal contribution
posted on 2012-10-16, 00:00 authored by Young-June Won, Jaewoo Lee, Dong-Chan Choi, Hee Ro Chae, Inae Kim, Chung-Hak Lee, In-Chul KimMembrane fouling remains a critical factor limiting the
widespread
use of membrane processes in water and wastewater treatment. To mitigate
membrane fouling, we introduced a patterned morphology on the membrane
surface using a lithographic method. A modified immersion precipitation
method was developed to relieve the formation of dense layer at the
solvent–nonsolvent interface, that is, the opposite side of
the patterned surface. Diverse patterned membranes, such as pyramid-,
prism-, and embossing-patterned membranes, were prepared and compared
with a flat membrane in terms of morphology, permeability, and biofouling.
Patterned membrane fidelity was largely dependent on the polymer concentration
in cast solution. The patterned surface augmented the water flux in
proportion to the roughness factor of the patterned membrane. However,
the type of pattern did not affect substantially the mean pore size
on the patterned surface. Deposition of microbial cells on the patterned
membrane was significantly reduced compared to that on the flat membrane
in the membrane bioreactor (MBR) for wastewater treatment. This was
attributed to hydraulic resistance of the apex of the patterned surface,
which induced local turbulence.