(158e) Thin Film Nanocomposite (TFN) Nanofiltration (NF) Membranes Achieving a High Li+/Mg2+ Separation Factor across a Broad Range of Solution Concentrations

To effectively separate Li⁺ ions from Mg²⁺-rich seawater brines using nanofiltration (NF), it is crucial to employ high-performance NF membranes capable of achieving a high Mg²⁺/Li⁺ separation factor across a broad range of solution concentrations. In this study, we fabricated thin film nanocomposite (TFN) NF membranes using the layer-by-layer (LBL) method through dynamic layer deposition.

These membranes were meticulously constructed with a layer-by-layer architecture achieved by sequentially depositing graphene oxide dispersions, cationic and anionic polyelectrolytes. Subsequently, the polyelectrolytes underwent chemical crosslinking to enhance the stability of the membrane layers.

The fabricated membranes underwent comprehensive morphological and physicochemical characterization. Morphological analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while physicochemical properties of the membrane surface were assessed through ATR-FTIR, XPS, water contact angle (WCA), and AFM measurements.

Furthermore, the membrane performance, including pure water permeability, salt rejections, and Li⁺/Mg²⁺ selectivity, was evaluated through filtration experiments involving pure water, single salt solutions, and mixtures of Li⁺ and Mg²⁺ solutions.

Acknowledgements

This research is supported by ASPIRE, the technology program management pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), via the ASPIRE “AARE (ASPIRE Awards for Research Excellence)” and through grant no. AARE20-246 to Ioannis Zuburtikudis of Abu Dhabi University.