Development of continuous layer coated membrane for fouling-resistant membrane distillation
| Project/Area Number |
23K13588
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
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| Allocation Type | Multi-year Fund |
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| Review Section |
Basic Section 27010:Transport phenomena and unit operations-related
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| Research Institution | Kobe University |
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Principal Investigator |
Guan Kecheng 神戸大学, 先端膜工学研究センター, 助教 (10912446)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2023-04-01 – 2026-03-31
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| Project Status |
Granted (Fiscal Year 2023)
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| Budget Amount *help |
¥4,290,000 (Direct Cost: ¥3,300,000、Indirect Cost: ¥990,000)
Fiscal Year 2025: ¥910,000 (Direct Cost: ¥700,000、Indirect Cost: ¥210,000)
Fiscal Year 2024: ¥780,000 (Direct Cost: ¥600,000、Indirect Cost: ¥180,000)
Fiscal Year 2023: ¥2,600,000 (Direct Cost: ¥2,000,000、Indirect Cost: ¥600,000)
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| Keywords | Membrane distillation / Seawater desalination / Surface coating / Surface modification / Water treatment / Membrane separation |
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| Outline of Research at the Start |
The objective of this research project is to develop advanced membranes that can effectively treat brine wastewater using membrane distillation (MD) technology. Currently, MD faces significant challenges due to membrane fouling, which results in process inefficiency and even failure, making it impractical for widespread use. To overcome the obstacle, it aims to develop an MD membrane that can resist both organic fouling and mineral scaling. By designing an appropriate membrane structure and chemistry, prolonged operation time and improved treatment efficacy for the MD process are anticipated.
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
This research project aims to develop suitable coatings for anti-fouling membrane distillation. The study investigates how coating structure and properties impact distillation performance and analyze interactions between coating materials and foulants to identify anti-fouling mechanisms. This year, a polyelectrolyte complex coating preparation method was developed, and the feasibility of membrane distillation was assessed.
1. A layer-by-layer assembly technique using oppositely charged polyelectrolytes was employed to coat the substrate membrane. The impact of assembling layers on coating morphology was evaluated.
2. The performance of coated membranes in membrane distillation with simulated seawater and real seawater was assessed to demonstrate their fouling resistance capabilities.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
This year, a polymer coating consisting of polyethylenimine and sodium alginate was successfully developed to enhance the anti-fouling properties of membrane distillation. The coated membranes were tested for treating seawater contaminated with oils and minerals, showing promising results in terms of durability during desalination and concentration processes. A comparison with pristine membranes revealed clear advantages of the coatings. The effectiveness of a continuous coating layer structure for membranes used in membrane distillation has been demonstrated, suggesting that further studies based on this concept could progress well. Therefore, it is considered that the research is currently progressing rather smoothly.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
In order to enhance the anti-fouling performance of the membrane, it is necessary to investigate the mechanisms behind the coating that provides this feature. This will guide future designs of coating materials and structures. It is important to understand how specific functional groups in materials (such as hydrophilicity and metal-complexing capability) contribute to anti-fouling properties, along with examining the impact of a continuous layer structure. In 2024, different coating materials forming continuous layers will be developed to assess their ability to resist fouling. Furthermore, adjusting the amount of functional groups will be tried to determine how changes affect the anti-fouling performance of membrane distillation.
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Report
(1 results)
Research Products
(8 results)
