Enhanced flux and fouling performance via H2N@ZSM-22 infused thin-film composite membranes on ZSM-22/PES-UF support

Abstract

In this study, advanced polyamide thin-film composite (PA-TFC) membranes incorporating zeolite (ZSM-22) and amine-zeolite (H₂N@ZSM-22) fillers were synthesised via interfacial polymerisation (IP) to enhance water permeability performance and anti-fouling behaviour. The incorporation of zeolite and amine-zeolite ZSM-22 in the selective PA layer resulted in distinct ridge-like and valley-like surface morphologies, contributing to improved hydrophilicity and fouling resistance. Comprehensive characterisation using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and water contact angle (WCA) analysis confirmed the successful incorporation and uniform dispersion of zeolite and amine-zeolites fillers within the PA layer. The functionalised PA layers demonstrated superior hydrophilicity, resulting in significant improvements in water flux, high anti-fouling ratios and salt rejection compared to the zeolite PA-TFC membranes. The obtained PA-TFC membrane structural design, supported on ZSM-22/polyethersulfone ultrafiltration (ZSM-22/PES UF) substrate, played a crucial role in ensuring mechanical stability and promoting interfacial bonding. The amine-zeolites PA-TFC membranes achieved exceptional water fluxes, reaching up to 48.92 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹ ·bar⁻¹ , and exhibited fouling ratios ranging from 65.78 % to 73.68 % as well as salt rejection to about 77 %. Notably, the H₂N@T60-ZSM-22/PA@ZSM-22/PES configuration showed the lowest fouling ratio of 65.78 % and higher salt rejection, demonstrating the potential for selective filtration under low-pressure conditions. Despite minimal performance variations among the different membrane configurations, consistent and robust antifouling behavior was observed across all samples. These findings underscore the promise of amine-zeolite ZSM-22 PA-TFC membranes as high-performance candidates for achieving enhanced flux, fouling resistance, and selective separation, contributing valuable insights for the advancement of membrane technology in water treatment applications.