Non-aqueous nanofiltration: solute rejection in low-polarity binary systems

Separation of binary solvent mixtures with solvent resistant nanofiltration membranes Part A: investigation of separation performance

This paper is Part A of a two paper series seeking a systematical investigation of the feasibility of separating binary solvent mixtures with solvent resistant nanofiltration (SRNF) membranes.

Solvent resistant nanofiltration: separating on a molecular level

Over the past decade, solvent resistant nanofiltration (SRNF) has gained a lot of attention, as it is a promising energy- and waste-efficient unit process to separate mixtures down to a molecular level. This critical review focuses on all aspects related to this new burgeoning technology, occasionally also including literature obtained on aqueous applications or related membrane processes, if of relevance to understand SRNF better. An overview of the different membrane materials and the methods to turn them into suitable SRNF-membranes will be given first. The membrane transport mechanism and its modelling will receive attention in order to understand the process and the reported membrane performances better. Finally, all SRNF-applications reported so far - in food chemistry, petrochemistry, catalysis, pharmaceutical manufacturing - will be reviewed exhaustively (324 references).

Characteristics and Performance of a “Universal” Membrane Suitable for Gas Separation, Pervaporation, and Nanofiltration Applications

The large diversity of membrane separation processes results in a different optimization of membrane materials and structures for each process. In this article, the extent to which a single membrane type can be used in gas separation, pervaporation, and nanofiltration has been investigated. Interpretation of transport and separation properties has led to the conclusion that the membrane SolSep 3360 is a multifunctional membrane fulfilling all requirements for the three separation processes. This can be achieved by keeping a good balance between the thickness of the top layer, sterical hindrance during transport, and the effect of hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity.