Reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) membrane processes are finding increased use in desalination of seawater and brackish groundwater. A significant limitation to RO and NF is fouling by organic matter, scale-forming salts, or biological growth. Membrane fouling increases the energy required for desalination and decreases membrane lifetime. Fouled membranes must be cleaned to restore flux, but in many cases the fouling is irreversible and flux cannot be recovered.

Carly Barnard and Ashton Schultz will be presenting the use of functionalized titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticle coatings to mitigate fouling and regenerate reverse osmosis membranes for desalination. The focus is on the deposition of the nanoparticles through self-assembly and later removal via a pH soak.

This virtual poster session will last 15 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of live discussion with the presenters.