Modulating Membrane Performance by Optimizing Coagulation Temperature and Dipping Time

Abstract

Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) comprising polysulfone (PSF) and molybdenum sulfide (MoS₂) were prepared to assess the effects of precipitation temperature and dipping time on water desalination and carbon capture performance. MoS₂ nanoparticles were impregnated into the polysulfone matrix to enhance the separation efficacy of the fabricated composite membranes. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of key functional groups indicating changes that took place in molecular interactions and polymer crystallinity with varying temperatures. Optimal separation performance is achieved at 10°C of coagulating liquid, thus balancing CO₂ permeability with CO₂/N₂ selectivity, while higher temperatures reduce selectivity. For the membrane prepared with a 40 s dipping time demonstrates the highest CO₂/N₂ selectivity and CO₂ permeability are demonstrated. Longer dipping times generally increase permeability but decrease selectivity due to the formation of thicker, less uniform permselective layers. Thermal stability analysis shows that the membrane precipitated at 50°C exhibits the highest stability, whereas the membrane precipitated at 0°C is the least stable. Porosity trends indicate an increase with both temperature (32.53%–60%) and longer dipping times, with 60°C achieving the highest porosity. Performance metrics reveal that the membrane precipitated at 0°C has the highest salt rejection but the lowest water flux, with increased temperature and longer dipping times leading to higher water flux and lower salt rejection.