Thin-film composite membranes (TFCs) have dominated desalination markets for recent decades, but a higher water permeance is still necessary to reduce the energy consumption. Although most researches have focused on the ultrathin active layer of TFCs, the supports should also be considered to further enhance the membrane performances. In this study, TFCs were fabricated on PSf supports containing carbon nanotubes (CNT) by interfacial polymerization. CNT/PSf supports show rougher and more porous surface morphologies than those of bare PSf supports. Because of such surface characteristics, CNT/PSf supports were favorable to increase the roughness and surface area of TFCs. Consequently, TFCs prepared on CNT/PSf nanocomposite supports showed a 41% enhanced water permeance without losing its salt rejection compared to the bare TFCs.

• 이태훈(한양대학교 에너지공학과, Department of Energy Engineering, Hanyang University) | Tae Hoon Lee
• 이희대(한양대학교 에너지공학과, Department of Energy Engineering, Hanyang University) | Hee Dae Lee
• 이슬기(한양대학교 에너지공학과, Department of Energy Engineering, Hanyang University) | Seul Ki Lee
• 박호범(한양대학교 에너지공학과, Department of Energy Engineering, Hanyang University) | Ho Bum Park