Active Layer Membrane for Metal Ion Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current membrane technologies are inadequate for effectively removing metal ions from aqueous systems, particularly in water treatment, due to limitations in separation characteristics and permeability.
Innovation Solution
Development of membranes with a molecular weight cut-off above 3,000 Da, featuring a carrier membrane with a porous structure and an active layer comprising polymers like polyethyleneimine that form stable complexes with metal ions, ensuring efficient rejection of ions such as Ca, Mg, Al, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Sb, Co, Cr, Cd, Hg, and Ag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional membranes are used for water treatment, then basic filtration is achieved, but metal ion removal capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite membrane structure combining carrier membrane with active layer containing polyethyleneimine and trimesoyl chloride. This composite structure provides both the mechanical support of the carrier membrane and the metal ion binding capability of the active layer, achieving effective metal ion removal while maintaining separation characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The active layer is selectively positioned on the surface and within the porous structure of the carrier membrane, creating localized metal ion binding sites. This local modification allows the membrane to maintain its overall separation properties while adding specific metal ion removal capability at the active layer.
2Reliability
If membrane with high metal ion binding capacity is designed, then metal ion removal improves, but permeability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier membrane utilizes a porous structure with controlled pore sizes that allow water molecules to pass through while the active layer components bind metal ions. The porous structure maintains high water permeability while the active layer provides metal ion rejection through chemical binding.
Solution Approach 2:
The active layer acts as an intermediary between the water flow and the metal ions in the feed solution. It provides a surface for metal ion binding without creating a complete barrier to water transport, thus maintaining permeability while achieving ion rejection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The membranes exhibit excellent separation characteristics, high permeability, and long-term stability, effectively removing metal ions from water and industrial waste, suitable for various applications including water treatment and industrial processes.
Implementation Method 1
an active layer A comprising at least one polymer P comprising a plurality of functional groups G capable of forming stable complexes with metal ions
Implementation Method 2
the membrane M has a molecular weight cut-off above 3,000 Da
Implementation Method 3
a carrier membrane CM, wherein said carrier membrane CM has a porous structure wherein the average pore diameter on one surface is smaller than in the rest of the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A process for removing metal ions from aqueous systems is disclosed comprising the treatment of the aqueous system with a membrane M, wherein the membrane M has a molecular weight cut-off above 3,000 Da and comprises A.) a carrier membrane CM, wherein said carrier membrane CM has a porous structure wherein the average pore diameter on one surface is smaller than in the rest of the membrane, thus forming rejection layers R on one side of carrier membrane CM, and B.) an active layer A comprising at least one polymer P comprising a plurality of functional groups G capable of forming stable complexes with metal ions selected from Ca, Mg, Al, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Sb, Co, Cr, Cd, Hg and/or Ag, wherein said active layer A is located on the surfaces of the rejection layers R of carrier membrane CM and throughout the porous structure of carrier membrane CM.