Multilevel & Multicomponent Layer-by-Layer Self Assembled Coating on Polymer Membrane for Water Treatment

Abstract

The sustainability of modern society depends on adequate supply of clean water. The amount of fit-for-use water is only a fraction of the total water present on Earth. Hence, in order to meet demands, water treatments need to be done on water which is otherwise deemed unfit for use. One such treatment is passing the water through a semi-permeable membrane that allows water to pass through it and halts the harmful substances from passing through. The water coming through the other side is therefore clean for use. Such membranes are mostly made of polymers, since they are less expensive and can offer a wide range of properties depending on their architecture. However, fouling of such membranes is relatively rapid and cleaning or replacement is needed after a certain time. This project involves the tailoring the architecture of polymer membranes to improve the antifouling property for extended use. Multi-level and multi-component self-assembled bilayers will be deposited to study their effect on the antifouling properties of the membrane and other important parameters for membranes, including water flux and hydrophilicity. The effect of 5, 10 and 15 bilayers on the water flux will also be measured.