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Khanzada NK, Al-Juboori RA, Khatri M, Ahmed FE, Ibrahim Y, Hilal N. Sustainability in Membrane Technology: Membrane Recycling and Fabrication Using Recycled Waste. MEMBRANES 2024; 14:52. [PMID: 38392679 PMCID: PMC10890584 DOI: 10.3390/membranes14020052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Membrane technology has shown a promising role in combating water scarcity, a globally faced challenge. However, the disposal of end-of-life membrane modules is problematic as the current practices include incineration and landfills as their final fate. In addition, the increase in population and lifestyle advancement have significantly enhanced waste generation, thus overwhelming landfills and exacerbating environmental repercussions and resource scarcity. These practices are neither economically nor environmentally sustainable. Recycling membranes and utilizing recycled material for their manufacturing is seen as a potential approach to address the aforementioned challenges. Depending on physiochemical conditions, the end-of-life membrane could be reutilized for similar, upgraded, and downgraded operations, thus extending the membrane lifespan while mitigating the environmental impact that occurred due to their disposal and new membrane preparation for similar purposes. Likewise, using recycled waste such as polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, tire rubber, keratin, and cellulose and their derivates for fabricating the membranes can significantly enhance environmental sustainability. This study advocates for and supports the integration of sustainability concepts into membrane technology by presenting the research carried out in this area and rigorously assessing the achieved progress. The membranes' recycling and their fabrication utilizing recycled waste materials are of special interest in this work. Furthermore, this study offers guidance for future research endeavors aimed at promoting environmental sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noman Khalid Khanzada
- NYUAD Water Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Raed A Al-Juboori
- NYUAD Water Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Muzamil Khatri
- NYUAD Water Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farah Ejaz Ahmed
- NYUAD Water Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yazan Ibrahim
- NYUAD Water Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nidal Hilal
- NYUAD Water Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates
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Soto-Salcido LA, Pihlajamäki A, Mänttäri M. Reuse of end-of-life membranes through accelerated polyamide degradation. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 171:124-133. [PMID: 37657285 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
End-of-life (EoL) thin-film composite (TFC) reverse osmosis membranes were converted into ultrafiltration-like (UF) membranes in an accelerated degradation process of the polyamide (PA) using an oxidant (NaOCl) in the presence of either MgCl2 or CaCl2. The PA degradation was evaluated by measuring pure water permeability (PWP), MgSO4 passage and molecular weight cut-off; the more PWP increased, and the less MgSO4 was retained after treatment, the more the PA was degraded. By adding 10 mM of metal ions, PWP increased 2.1 (MgCl2) and 3.1 (CaCl2) times compared to the increase achieved with hypochlorite alone (2560 ppm∙h of free chlorine). Changes in the membranes after treatment were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and by measuring their surface charge and contact angle. FTIR and FE-SEM confirmed the PA layer degradation. FE-SEM micrographs showed that full removal of the PA layer can be achieved by using an oxidation dose of 12,700 ppm∙h when Ca2+ is used but doses as high as 300,000 ppm*h are needed without catalyst. The results proved that by controlling the oxidation process it was possible to control the cut-off (MWCO) value of the membrane from 16,100 g∙mol-1 to 27,100 g∙mol-1. Before treatment, EoL membranes showed a MWCO of approximately 1200 g∙mol-1, meaning that molecules with that size could be retained in a 90%. In summary, the presented method enables reducing waste by the conversion EoL membranes into tailored UF-like membranes and by decreasing the amount of oxidant used in the conversion process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Soto-Salcido
- Department of Separation Science, LUT School of Engineering Science, LUT University, P.O. Box 20, 53851 Lappeenranta, Finland.
| | - Arto Pihlajamäki
- Department of Separation Science, LUT School of Engineering Science, LUT University, P.O. Box 20, 53851 Lappeenranta, Finland
| | - Mika Mänttäri
- Department of Separation Science, LUT School of Engineering Science, LUT University, P.O. Box 20, 53851 Lappeenranta, Finland
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Shehata N, Egirani D, Olabi AG, Inayat A, Abdelkareem MA, Chae KJ, Sayed ET. Membrane-based water and wastewater treatment technologies: Issues, current trends, challenges, and role in achieving sustainable development goals, and circular economy. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 320:137993. [PMID: 36720408 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Membrane-based technologies are recently being considered as effective methods for conventional water and wastewater remediation processes to achieve the increasing demands for clean water and minimize the negative environmental effects. Although there are numerous merits of such technologies, some major challenges like high capital and operating costs . This study first focuses on reporting the current membrane-based technologies, i.e., nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, and forward- and reverse-osmosis membranes. The second part of this study deeply discusses the contributions of membrane-based technologies in achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) stated by the United Nations (UNs) in 2015 followed by their role in the circular economy. In brief, the membrane based processes directly impact 15 out of 17 SDGs which are SDG1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17. However, the merits, challenges, efficiencies, operating conditions, and applications are considered as the basis for evaluating such technologies in sustainable development, circular economy, and future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabila Shehata
- Environmental Science and Industrial Development Department, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Davidson Egirani
- Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Nigeria
| | - A G Olabi
- Sustainable Energy & Power Systems Research Centre, RISE, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates; Mechanical Engineering and Design, Aston University, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK.
| | - Abrar Inayat
- Sustainable Energy & Power Systems Research Centre, RISE, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Mohammad Ali Abdelkareem
- Sustainable Energy & Power Systems Research Centre, RISE, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates; Chemical Engineering Department, Minia University, Elminia, Egypt
| | - Kyu-Jung Chae
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, 49112, Republic of Korea; Interdisciplinary Major of Ocean Renewable Energy Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, 727 Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, 49112, South Korea.
| | - Enas Taha Sayed
- Chemical Engineering Department, Minia University, Elminia, Egypt.
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Ma B, Ulbricht M, Hu C, Fan H, Wang X, Pan YR, Hosseini SS, Panglisch S, Van der Bruggen B, Wang Z. Membrane Life Cycle Management: An Exciting Opportunity for Advancing the Sustainability Features of Membrane Separations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:3013-3020. [PMID: 36786864 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Membrane science and technology is growing rapidly worldwide and continues to play an increasingly important role in diverse fields by offering high separation efficiency with low energy consumption. Membranes have also shown great promise for "green" separation. A majority of the investigations in the field are devoted to the membrane fabrication and modification with the ultimate goals of enhancing the properties and separation performance of membranes. However, less attention has been paid to membrane life cycle management, particularly at the end of service. This is becoming very important, especially taking into account the trends toward sustainable development and carbon neutrality. On the contrary, this can be a great opportunity considering the large variety of membrane processes, especially in terms of the size and capacity of plants in operation. This work aims to highlight the prominent aspects that govern membrane life cycle management with special attention to life cycle assessment (LCA). While fabrication, application, and recycling are the three key aspects of LCA, we focus here on membrane (module) recycling at the end of life by elucidating the relevant aspects, potential criteria, and strategies that effectively contribute to the achievement of green development and sustainability goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiwen Ma
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Lehrstuhl für Technische Chemie II, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45117, Germany
| | - Mathias Ulbricht
- Lehrstuhl für Technische Chemie II, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45117, Germany
| | - Chengzhi Hu
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Hongwei Fan
- College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yi-Rong Pan
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Seyed Saeid Hosseini
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Johannesburg 1709, South Africa
| | - Stefan Panglisch
- Chair for Mechanical Process Engineering/Water Technology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg 47057, Germany
| | - Bart Van der Bruggen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
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Tian C, Chen J, Li X, Dai R, Wang Z. Chemical cleaning−solvent treatment−hydrophilic modification strategy for regenerating end-of-life PVDF membrane. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.121325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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6
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Highly hydrophobic oil—water separation membrane: reutilization of waste reverse osmosis membrane. Front Chem Sci Eng 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11705-022-2200-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Oliveira CPMD, Moreira VR, Lebron YAR, Vasconcelos CKBD, Koch K, Viana MM, Drewes JE, Amaral MCS. Converting recycled membranes into photocatalytic membranes using greener TiO 2-GRAPHENE oxide nanomaterials. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 306:135591. [PMID: 35798155 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite the widespread use of membrane separation processes for water treatment, operation costs and fouling still restrict their application. Costs can be overcome by recycled membranes whereas fouling can be mitigated by membrane modification. In this work, the performance of recycled reverse osmosis membranes modified by greener titanium dioxide (TiO2) and graphene oxide (GO) in different modification routes were investigated and compared. The use of recycled membranes as a support acted more than a strategy for costs reduction, but also as an alternative for solid waste reduction. Low adhesion of nanoparticulate materials to the membrane surfaces were verified in depositions by self-assembly, whereas filtration and modification with dopamine generated membranes with well adhered and homogeneous layers. Considering the stability, permeability, and rejection efficiency of dyes as model substrates, the membranes modified with the aid of dopamine-TiO2-GO were the most promising. The nanomaterials increased the membrane hydrophilicity and formed a hydrated layer that repels the organic contaminants and reduces fouling. Besides membrane rejection, adsorption (contribution: ∼10%) and photocatalysis (contribution: ∼20%) were additional mechanisms for pollutants removal by the modified membranes. The photocatalytic membrane modified with dopamine-TiO2-GO was furthermore evaluated for the removal of six different pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs), noticing gains in terms of removal efficiency (up to 95.7%) and fouling mitigation for the modified membrane compared to the original membranes. The photocatalytic activity still contributed to a simultaneous degradation of PhACs avoiding the generation of a concentrated stream for further disposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caique Prado Machado de Oliveira
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 6627, Antônio Carlos Avenue, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Victor Rezende Moreira
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 6627, Antônio Carlos Avenue, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Yuri Abner Rocha Lebron
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 6627, Antônio Carlos Avenue, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Konrad Koch
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 3, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Marcelo Machado Viana
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 6627 Antônio Carlos Avenue, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Jörg E Drewes
- Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 3, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Míriam Cristina Santos Amaral
- Department of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 6627, Antônio Carlos Avenue, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Direct recycling of discarded reverse osmosis membranes for domestic wastewater treatment with a focus on water reuse. Chem Eng Res Des 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2022.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
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Conversion of reverse osmosis membranes into metal-free carbocatalyst for electrochemical syngas production. J CO2 UTIL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2022.101908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Gong L, Zhang J, Wang W, Xiang L, Pan M, Yang W, Han L, Wang J, Yan B, Zeng H. Ion-specific effect on self-cleaning performances of polyelectrolyte-functionalized membranes and the underlying nanomechanical mechanism. J Memb Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2021.119408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Electrospun Nanostructured Membrane Engineering Using Reverse Osmosis Recycled Modules: Membrane Distillation Application. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11061601. [PMID: 34207075 PMCID: PMC8235693 DOI: 10.3390/nano11061601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As a consequence of the increase in reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plants, the number of discarded RO modules for 2020 was estimated to be 14.8 million annually. Currently, these discarded modules are disposed of in nearby landfills generating high volumes of waste. In order to extend their useful life, in this research study, we propose recycling and reusing the internal components of the discarded RO modules, membranes and spacers, in membrane engineering for membrane distillation (MD) technology. After passive cleaning with a sodium hypochlorite aqueous solution, these recycled components were reused as support for polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibrous membranes prepared by electrospinning technique. The prepared membranes were characterized by different techniques and, finally, tested in desalination of high saline solutions (brines) by direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD). The effect of the electrospinning time, which is the same as the thickness of the nanofibrous layer, was studied in order to optimize the permeate flux together with the salt rejection factor and to obtain robust membranes with stable DCMD desalination performance. When the recycled RO membrane or the permeate spacer were used as supports with 60 min electrospinning time, good permeate fluxes were achieved, 43.2 and 18.1 kg m−2 h−1, respectively; with very high salt rejection factors, greater than 99.99%. These results are reasonably competitive compared to other supported and unsupported MD nanofibrous membranes. In contrast, when using the feed spacer as support, inhomogeneous structures were observed on the electrospun nanofibrous layer due to the special characteristics of this spacer resulting in low salt rejection factors and mechanical properties of the electrospun nanofibrous membrane.
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Recycling of Spent Reverse Osmosis Membranes for Second Use in the Clarification of Wet-Process Phosphoric Acid. MINERALS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/min11060637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Various techniques have been used to “clean-up” wet-process phosphoric acid such as precipitation, flotation and adsorption. To address the potential of membrane processes in the phosphoric acid clarification process, this study explores the benefits of membrane techniques as a green separation technique for phosphoric acid clarification in an eco-efficient way through the use of recycling spent reverse osmosis membrane. Regenerated membrane was used to study the phosphoric acid clarification at a laboratory scale. They were immersed in an oxidizer for at most seven days. The samples were characterized systematically before immersion in an oxidant media. In this study, the potential to regenerate spent membranes and application of this media to clarify the 29% P2O5 phosphoric acid was demonstrated. This study shows, through experiments, that the reverse osmosis (RO) membranes could achieve a rejection of 70% and 61% for suspended solid and organic matter, respectively. These promising results will pave the way for implementation of these membranes in phosphoric acid treatment. Moreover, besides being economically advantageous, the use of the spent membrane is likely an environmentally friendly route (no waste, no organic solvent and effluent to be regenerated later on).
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Ghiorghita CA, Mihai M. Recent developments in layer-by-layer assembled systems application in water purification. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 270:129477. [PMID: 33388497 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Electrostatically-based layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is a versatile surface functionalization technique allowing the construction of complex three-dimensional architectures on virtually any type of material using various combinations of nano-bricks. One of the most promising applications of LbL assembled systems is in water purification. The main two strategies developed in this purpose consist in either enhancing the barrier properties of separation membranes and in the construction of core-shell organic/inorganic sorbents. In this review, the recent achievements in this topic are discussed with respect to the use of LbL-based composites in desalination and removal of heavy metal ions or organic pollutants. Finally, some works dealing with economic aspects of using LbL assemblies for water purification are presented, thus highlighting forthcoming strategies to develop economically-viable materials for such applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcela Mihai
- "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Grigore Ghica Voda Alley 41A, 700487, Iasi, Romania
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Layer-by-layer polyamide thin film nanocomposite membrane: synthesis, characterization and using as pervaporation membrane to separate methyl tertiary butyl ether/methanol mixture. JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10965-021-02479-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Hong SH, Cho Y, Kang SW. Highly porous and thermally stable cellulose acetate to utilize hydrated glycerin. J IND ENG CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2020.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Korzhova E, Déon S, Koubaa Z, Fievet P, Lopatin D, Baranov O. Modification of commercial UF membranes by electrospray deposition of polymers for tailoring physicochemical properties and enhancing filtration performances. J Memb Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2019.117805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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