Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
A team of NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) researchers has developed a novel approach that uses microwave technology to more efficiently synthesise and fine-tune a new type of membrane that effectively purifies water from a wide range of contaminants. The membrane synthesis technique takes a few minutes, making it one of the fastest methods for creating covalent organic framework (COF) membranes.
These membranes act as filters in devices designed to clean polluted water from specific contaminants, allowing its reuse in different applications. This is an important discovery at a time when efficient wastewater treatment becomes vital in a world threatened by water scarcity.
The new type of dual-faced membrane, characterised by its unique superhydrophilic and near-hydrophobic surfaces, enables efficient removal of contaminants like oils and dyes from water. This dual functionality not only enhances the filtration process but also endows the membranes with strong antibacterial properties, providing reassurance about their long-term usability and effectiveness.
Published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the study titled “Tunable Wettability of a Dual-Faced COF Membrane for Enhanced Water Filtration” presents this novel approach developed by Farah Benyettou and Asmaa Jrad under the leadership of Ali Trabolsi, Professor of Chemistry and Co-Principal Investigator at the NYUAD Water Research Center. The team's method involves a one-step microwave-mediated synthesis at the liquid-water vapour interface, allowing precise control over the membrane’s properties without requiring subsequent modifications.
"By fine-tuning the reaction time, we can adjust the membrane's thickness and its hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics," explained Benyettou. "This capability allows us to tailor the membrane specifically for various types of water pollutants, significantly enhancing both the efficiency and speed of water purification," explained Jrad.
The COF membranes developed by the NYU Abu Dhabi team demonstrate superior performance in removing oil from oil-in-water mixtures and boast exceptional water flux due to their multilayered structure and consistent porosity. Furthermore, these membranes outperform traditional polymeric ones in resisting organic fouling, a common challenge in membrane-based water filtration systems.
This technology represents a significant leap forward in synthesising high-quality, crystalline, free-standing COF membranes. "Our method not only simplifies the production process but also enhances the separation capabilities of the membranes, offering a promising solution to critical water purification challenges worldwide," Trabolsi added.
