Desalination membranes from functional block copolymer via non-solvent induced phase inversion

Commercially available reverse osmosis (RO) and forward osmosis (FO) membranes are most commonly derived from materials such as polysulfone, polyimide, and cellulose acetate. While these membranes have improved the efficiency of the desalination process, they suffer from mechanical and chemical stability, fouling issues, and low fluxes. In this study, we combine a well-established membrane formation method, non-solvent-induced phase separation, with the self-assembly of a functional amphiphilic block copolymersAn amine and acid functional polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene oxide-co-allyl glycidyl ether) were chosen for the membranes. Membranes were formed by casting a concentrated polymer solution (12 to 25 wt\% polymer) on PET fabric followed by immersion in a non-solvent bath. Scanning electron microscopy revealed an asymmetric porous structure consisting of a dense skin layer on top of a highly porous layer. Membrane performance was investigating using an FO test cell under the seawater condition.