A team of Chinese scientists has developed a new polyester thin film that could revolutionize seawater desalination and water purification technologies. The research, led by Professor Zhang Xuan from Nanjing University of Science and Technology, was published in the international journal Science on Friday.
The innovative polyester reverse osmosis membrane addresses several limitations of mainstream commercial polyamide membranes, providing a promising solution for next-generation desalination processes. Traditional reverse osmosis membranes, while effective in water permeability and salt rejection, are susceptible to degradation when exposed to chlorine and other strong oxidants.
"In the pre-treatment process of seawater desalination, chlorination is necessary to eliminate microorganisms," explained Professor Zhang. "However, chlorine-containing substances can damage the chemical structure of polyamide films, leading to degradation. As a result, seawater must be dechlorinated after chlorination before it enters the reverse osmosis filtration stage."
The newly developed polyester membrane exhibits remarkable resistance to hydrolytic degradation and complete tolerance to chlorine exposure. This advancement could significantly reduce the pre-treatment steps required in desalination, streamlining the process and potentially lowering costs.
The development of this chlorine-resistant material marks a significant step forward in sustainable water resource management. By simplifying the desalination process, it holds the potential to make seawater a more viable source of fresh water, addressing global concerns over water scarcity.
As water demand continues to rise worldwide, innovations like this polyester membrane are crucial for ensuring access to clean water. The research team's findings not only contribute to scientific knowledge but also offer practical solutions to some of the pressing challenges faced by communities globally.
Reference(s):
Chinese scientists develop new material for seawater desalination
cgtn.com
