RO Membrane of Carbon Nanotubes / Crosslinked Polyamide Nanocomposite toward Green Desalination

Abstract

Reverse osmosis (RO) membrane technology has been developed since half century ago. Because of new events like as global warming and also increasing clean water demand in developing countries for economic growth, new challenges on the conventional water systems, for lower energy consumption on system operation and more robust membranes technology have been demanded. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been one of the leading materials of emerging nanotechnology, and have contributed to the environment and energy era. CNTs are defined as carbon materials with innovative performances by controlling their structure in nanometer scale. We have been studying to apply such advanced CNTs to form a thin composite as an active layer for RO membranes. In the present review, CNT/PA nanocomposite membranes are demonstrated, which have antifouling and chlorine resistant robust performances for seawater desalination. Also, the feed spacer made by CNT/PP nanocomposite showing excellent antifouling properties is successfully developed. We hope these new membranes systems and the related material science can contribute to water treatment technology for the water and environment era.