Fast-responsive monolithic hydrogels as draw agent for forward osmosis membrane process

Kha L. Tu, George P. Simon, Huanting Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2583-2590
Number of pages8
JournalSeparation Science and Technology
Volume52
Issue number16
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Keywords

  • Forward osmosis
  • hydrogel
  • membrane process
  • water treatment

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