Green Chemistry in a Spinneret – Hollow Fiber Membrane with a Selective crosslinked layer
- Persons involved: Ana M. Cespedes Matos (PhD), Nieck Benes (Promotor), Hannah Roth (Supervisor)
- Duration: 2023-2027
- Funding: TNW FiF Sector Plan
Introduction
Hollow Fiber Membranes (HFM) are widely used due to their higher surface-to-volume ratio, their minimal fouling, and relatively easy translation into different types of fluid flow systems [1]. However, currently, HFM fabrication is often based on polymers that have a fossil origin and solvents that are not environmentally benign and have other undesired characteristics, such as reproductive toxicity [2]. In addition, to achieve the desired separation functionality, additional layers can be added to the hollow fibers via coating or interfacial polymerization. These processes are time-consuming and have limited success rates on hollow fiber membranes; An alternative is the so-called “chemistry in a spinneret” method [3]. From a sustainability perspective, it is essential to integrate green chemistry principles with HFM fabrication to address the previously mentioned concerns effectively [4].
The aim of this work is to produce composite HFM with improved capabilities by using new chemical methods and environmentally friendly ingredients. Herein, the ‘Chemistry in a spinneret’ approach will be used to synthesize HFM with a selective layer in one single step, with renewable polymers and solvent as alternative to the conventional toxic solutions.
Key words
Green chemistry, Nanofiltration, Composite membranes
Technological/Scientific challenges
The central challenge of developing green membranes consists of having an efficient trade-off between high selectivity and high permeability.
Research goals/research questions
- Development of functionalized HFM using the chemistry in a spinneret approach.
- Implement novel chemistries and sustainable materials to develop new HFM.
Green Chemistry in a Spinneret – Hollow Fiber Membrane with a Selective crosslinked layer
References
- Ayub, M., Othman, M. H. D., Kadir, S. H. S. A., Ali, A., Khan, I. U., Yusop, M. Z. M., Matsuura, T., Fauzi Ismail, A., A Rahman, M., & Jaafar, J. (2021). Research and Development Journey and Future Trends of Hollow Fiber Membranes for Purification Applications (1970-2020): A Bibliometric Analysis. Membranes, 11(8), 600. https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11080600
- Rasool, M.A. and Vankelecom, I.F.J. (no date) 'Use of γ-valerolactone and glycerol derivatives as bio-based renewable solvents for membrane preparation,' Green Chemistry, 21(5), pp. 1054–1064. https://doi.org/10.1039/c8gc03652g.
- Kopeć, K.K. et al. (2011) 'Chemistry in a spinneret—On the interplay of crosslinking and phase inversion during spinning of novel hollow fiber membranes,' Journal of Membrane Science, 369(1–2), pp. 308–318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2010.12.010.
- Anastas, P.T. and Eghbali, N. (2010) 'Green Chemistry: Principles and practice,' Chemical Society Reviews, 39(1), pp. 301–312. https://doi.org/10.1039/b918763b.