Nanofiltration Membranes ─ Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications

Covering fabrication, characterization, and applications nanofiltration (NF) membranes, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the development of NF membrane technology over the past decade. It uniquely covers a variety of fabrication techniques, comparing the procedures of each technique to produce polymeric membranes of different morphologies. The book also discusses advances in the materials used in thin film composite (TFC) polyamide membrane fabrication and their influences on properties with respect to structural and separation characteristics. A comprehensive review on NF characterization methods and techniques is provided, assessing physical and chemical properties and separation characteristics and stability. Technical challenges in fabricating a new generation of NF membranes are also reviewed and the possible approaches to overcome the challenges are provided. The book concludes with relevant case studies on the use of NF membranes in industrial implementation of both aqueous and nonaqueous media.

• Details the latest progress on the fabrication techniques of asymmetric and composite NF membranes.
• Discusses characterization methods used in assessing membrane physical/chemical properties, separation characteristics, and performance stability.
• Describes the potential of advanced materials in improving properties of polyamide selective layer as well as microporous substrate.
• Reviews the technical challenges in fabricating a new generation of composite membrane—thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane—possible approaches to overcome challenges.
• Offers case studies on the applications of NF membranes for both aqueous and nonaqueous media.

Dr. Lau Woei Jye obtained his Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical-Gas Engineering (2006) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemical Engineering (2009) from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Malaysia. Currently, he is a senior lecturer at Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FCEE) and a research fellow at Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), UTM. Before working at UTM, he worked as an assistant professor at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Kuala Lumpur. Dr. Lau has a strong research interest in the field of water and wastewater treatment processes using membrane-based technology. As at May 2016, he has published over 80 scientific papers, 10 reviews, 1 book, and 6 book chapters. He has supervised 8 PhD and 2 Master’s students to successful completion, with 6 further postgraduate students currently under his sole or co-supervision. He was also the recipient for the Australian Endeavour Research Fellowship 2015 and UI-RESOLV Program 2016.

Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail received his Bachelor of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering (1989) and Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering (1992) from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Malaysia. He went to United Kingdom to pursue his doctoral studies at University of Strathclyde and received Doctor of Philosophy in 1997. He is the director of the Advanced Membrane Technology Research Center (AMTEC) and has over 20 years of experience in the development of membrane technology for various applications. He has published 6 books and more than 20 book chapters. He has won several outstanding awards such as the Merdeka Award 2014, IChemE Malaysia Awards 2014 for Innovation and Excellence, and Malaysian Toray Award 2014.