Composite Hydrophilic-Hydrophobic Membranes for Membrane Distillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current membrane distillation technologies face challenges with low flux rates and membrane wetting issues, limiting their scalability for large-scale desalination due to inadequate membrane design, particularly in achieving high vapour flux and durability.
Innovation Solution
Development of composite hydrophilic/hydrophobic membranes with a hydrophilic polymer layer and a hydrophobic polymer layer comprising fluorinated surface-modifying macromolecules, optimized through phase inversion methods to maximize porosity, thickness, and thermal conductivity, reducing heat and mass transfer resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If porous hydrophobic membranes are used for membrane distillation, then high selectivity for non-volatile compounds is achieved, but membrane wetting occurs which diminishes durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous hydrophobic membranes with specific pore size control to prevent liquid penetration while allowing vapor transport. The porous structure is optimized to maintain hydrophobicity and prevent membrane wetting, thereby improving durability without sacrificing selectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies key parameters including pore size, porosity, and hydrophobicity of the membrane material. By carefully controlling these parameters, the membrane maintains its hydrophobic character to prevent wetting while allowing sufficient vapor flux for high productivity.
2Productivity
If porous hydrophobic membranes are used for membrane distillation, then high selectivity is achieved, but flux rates remain low limiting scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes porous membranes with optimized pore size and porosity to enhance vapor flux. The porous structure provides multiple transport pathways for vapor molecules, increasing productivity while maintaining consistent performance through controlled pore distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite membrane structures combining hydrophobic materials with optimized pore architectures. This composite approach enhances both flux rates and performance consistency by integrating materials with complementary properties that address both productivity and reliability requirements.
3Reliability
If conventional desalination processes are used, then high productivity is achieved, but selectivity for non-volatile compounds is lower compared to membrane distillation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous membranes with controlled pore sizes that allow vapor molecules to pass through while blocking non-volatile compounds. This selective porous structure achieves high selectivity for non-volatile compound rejection while maintaining sufficient vapor flux for practical productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes membrane parameters including pore size, porosity, and thickness to balance selectivity and flux. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the membrane achieves superior selectivity for non-volatile compounds while maintaining flux rates adequate for scalable applications.
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 optimized composite membranes exhibit enhanced vapour flux and improved durability, effectively addressing the limitations of existing membranes by balancing flux and thermal stability, making them suitable for high-performance membrane distillation applications.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobic polymer layer comprising fluorinated surface-modifying macromolecules
Implementation Method 2
The principle of MD is based on applying a thermal gradient between both sides of a porous hydrophobic membrane that acts as a physical support separating a hot feed solution from a cooling chamber
Implementation Method 3
optimized through phase inversion methods to maximize porosity, thickness, and thermal conductivity
Implementation Method 4
applying a thermal gradient between both sides of a porous hydrophobic membrane
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides composite membranes for membrane distillation and related methods of manufacture. In particular, there is provided a composite hydrophilic/hydrophobic membrane comprising a hydrophilic polymer layer and a hydrophobic polymer layer comprising fluorinated surface-modifying macromolecules, wherein said composite membrane has a high vapor flux. Also provided herein are methods of manufacturing and optimizing the composite membranes and a membrane distillation system comprising the composite membranes.