Over the past 15 years, a wide array of nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide (GO), metal organic frameworks, zeolites, titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticles, have found application as additives in the modification of the polyamide (PA) layer of composite membranes. The central focus of research efforts has been directed towards developing thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes that exhibit enhanced water permeability, uphold their salt rejection capability, and bolster their resistance against fouling and chlorination. While scientists worldwide have highlighted the promise of TFN membranes for water and wastewater treatment, several critical challenges persist in their fabrication. These challenges encompass the uneven distribution or agglomeration of nanomaterials within the thin PA selective layer, the limited interaction of nanomaterials with the polymeric matrix and the potential loss of nanomaterials during operation. Considering these challenges, it becomes evident that effective fabrication strategies are essential for the production of defect-free PA TFN membranes. In this talk, several fabrication approaches will be presented. In the first approach, we explore the alteration of the orientation between the PA layer and the graphene oxide (GO)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) layer on the substrate surface during TFN membrane fabrication. Our objective is to understand how this change in orientation influences the performance of reverse osmosis (RO). For the second approach, we introduce an intermediate layer between the selective layer and the substrate. The goal here is to enhance the distribution of GO within the selective layer, ultimately improving its properties. We are also delving into a novel fabrication concept for creating TFN membranes with GO incorporation using mist-based interfacial polymerization (MIP) technique, where a minimal quantity of aqueous solution is atomized and dispersed as mist. This technique is put forward as a potential strategy to eliminate the conventional rubber-rolling step in the TFN membrane fabrication process. A brief description of conventional interfacial polymerization technique for thin film composite (TFC) membrane preparation will also be covered along with the trends in the use of TFN membrane for water treatment.
Biography
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lau Woei Jye earned his bachelor’s degree in Chemical-Gas Engineering and completed his PhD in Chemical Engineering at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). His primary research focus revolves around membrane science and technology, with a particular focus on water and wastewater treatment. Dr. Lau has made significant scholarly contributions, publishing more than 300 scientific papers. His publications have received substantial recognition, with over 12,000 citations according to Scopus, and an impressive h-index of 57. In addition to his research achievements, Dr. Lau has a strong presence in the realm of intellectual property, having secured 15 patents in collaboration with academic and industrial partners. Actively engaged in the academic community, Dr. Lau serves as an editor for Water Reuse (International Water Association) and Chemical Engineering Research and Design (Elsevier). Throughout his career, which began in 2009, Dr. Lau has received numerous awards, including the Australian Endeavour Research Fellowship, TÜBİTAK’s Fellowships for Visiting Scientists, ASEAN-India Collaborative R&D Scheme Award and AUN/SEED-Net’s RC Grant Award. Over the years, he has successfully obtained many research grants from both local and international agencies. Furthermore, he has been honored with the title of Honorary Associate Professor at Apadana Institute of Higher Education in Iran and appointed as an Adjunct Professor at Universitas Airlangga in Indonesia. Currently, he holds a position on the Management Committee of the IWA Specialist Group on Membrane Technology, in addition to his role as the coordinator for the Malaysia Alumni of Sakura Science Association (MASSA) affiliated with the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).