Abstract
A monolithic copolymer hydrogel was synthesised by polymerising n-isopropylacrylamide and sodium acrylate in the presence of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSSS) chains and studied as potential draw agent for forward osmosis (FO) process. The monolithic hydrogel synthesised from 19% NIPAM, 1% SA, and 15% PSSS at 60°C generated higher FO water flux and higher recovery rate than other hydrogels, due to improved membrane-hydrogel contact and water transport. In particular, the synthesised hydrogel draw agent achieved twice water flux compared with the particles. The monolithic hydrogel containing a smaller amount of water produced a higher water flux due to its high swelling pressure.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2583-2590 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Separation Science and Technology |
Volume | 52 |
Issue number | 16 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2017 |
Keywords
- Forward osmosis
- hydrogel
- membrane process
- water treatment