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Development and characterization of nanocomposite membranes for next-generation air dehumidification technologies.

Number: 2583

Author(s) : HEIDARI S., MISHRA A., CORREA MARTINS M. A., OH J., BALARAMAN A., RAHMAN A., ZIVIANI D., BRAUN J., WARSINGER D. M.

Summary

Membrane-based air dehumidifiers for HVAC applications are emerging as efficient alternatives, surpassing traditional and energy-consuming dew point methods. However, a significant challenge facing membrane dehumidification technology lies in balancing the trade-off between water vapor permeability and selectivity. Despite notable advancements in modifying membrane materials for enhanced performance, the existing membranes are still far from becoming a commercial reality. In this study, our engineered nanocomposite membranes have demonstrated substantial progress for effective air dehumidification, suggesting avenues for additional modifications to enhance commercial viability. Our initial focus involved the fabrication and optimization of PVA/Graphene Oxide (GO)/PVDF vapor-permeable nanocomposite membranes. This served as a foundational step towards extending our findings to other polymers, including PBI, PEEK, Nexar, and Pebax. The nanocomposite membranes were fabricated through the dip-coating method, and their structural and morphological properties were scrutinized through FTIR and SEM analyses, ensuring the successful fabrication and uniform deposition of the dense PVA/GO active layers on the porous PVDF substrate. The fabricated membranes were then subjected to rigorous testing to evaluate their water vapor removal efficiency. Our results showed a significant improvement in the selectivity of nanocomposite membranes, reaching an impressive 2300% enhancement by incorporating GO into the PVA, in the PVA/GO/PVDF configuration with a 0.008 Wt. % GO concentration. Notably, this achievement was accompanied by only a 20% trade-off in water vapor permeability. The detection of epoxy functional groups in FTIR analysis, subsequent to the integration of GO into the polymeric matrix of the active layer, suggests that the heightened selectivity could be attributed to the enhanced hydrophilicity induced by the addition of GO.

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  • Original title: Development and characterization of nanocomposite membranes for next-generation air dehumidification technologies.
  • Record ID : 30033021
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: 2024 Purdue Conferences. 20th International Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Conference at Purdue.
  • Publication date: 2024/07/17

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