Effect of Membrane Thickness on Properties of FO Membranes with Nanofibrous Substrate

Abstract

One of the most challenges for forward osmosis (FO) application is the internal concentration polarization (ICP), which can severely reduce the water flux. In this study, the effect of membrane thickness on FO membranes with nanofibrous substrate was studied. The results show that reduction of membrane thickness can greatly reduce the ICP and increase the flux of the FO membrane. Due to the reduction of the structural parameters of the substrates layer, the minimum thickness of the FO membrane can achieve a minimum structural parameter and exhibit better performance than commercial FO membrane.