Maximizing the grafting of zwitterions onto the surface of ultrafiltration membranes to improve antifouling properties

Journal Article · 31 January 2020 · Journal of Membrane Science

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2020.117909 · OSTI ID:1601454

Shahkaramipour, Nima ^[1]; Jafari, Amin ^[2]; Tran, Thien ^[2]; Stafford, Christopher M. ^[3]; Cheng, Chong ^[2]; Lin, Haiqing ^[2]

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1. State Univ. of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY (United States); University at Buffalo, SUNY
2. State Univ. of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY (United States)
3. National Inst. of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, MD (United States)

Superhydrophilic zwitterions have been extensively exploited for surface modification to improve antifouling properties. However, it remains challenging to form layers of <20 nm with high zwitterion content on the surfaces with different degrees of hydrophilicity. We demonstrate that amine-functionalized sulfobetaine (SBAm) can be co-deposited with dopamine on ultrafiltration (UF) membranes, leading to a thickness of 10 nm to 50 nm and an SBAm content of up to 31 mass% in the coating layers. The covalently grafted SBAm is stable underwater and improves the antifouling properties, as evidenced by the lower trans-membrane pressure required to retain targeted water fluxes than that required for the pristine membranes. Finally, the SBAm is also more effective than conventionally used sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) for the zwitterion grafting on the surface to improve antifouling properties

• Research Organization: Helios-NRG LLC, East Amherst, NY (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; USDOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE), Clean Coal and Carbon Management
• Grant/Contract Number: SC0017077
• OSTI ID: 1601454
• Journal Information: Journal of Membrane Science, Journal Name: Journal of Membrane Science Journal Issue: C Vol. 601; ISSN 0376-7388
• Publisher: ElsevierCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English