Understanding Membrane Fouling Mechanisms through Computational Simulations

This dissertation focuses on a computational simulation study on the organic fouling mechanisms of reverse osmosis and nanofiltration (RO/NF) membranes, which have been widely used in industry for water purification. The research shows that through establishing a realistic computational model based on available experimental data, we are able to develop a deep understanding of membrane fouling mechanism. This knowledge is critical for providing a strategic plan for membrane experimental community and RO/NF industry for further improvements in membrane technology for water treatment. This dissertation focuses on three major research components (1) Development of the realistic molecular models, which could well represent the membrane surface properties; (2) Investigation of the interactions between the membrane surface and foulants by steered molecular dynamics simulations, in order to determine the major factors that contribute to surface fouling; and (3) Studies of the interactions between the surface-modified membranes (polyethylene glycol) to provide strategies for antifouling.

Author

• XIANG, Yuan

Language

• en

Keyword

• Computational Simulations
• Membrane Fouling

Date created

• 2016

Type of Work

• Dissertation

License

• All rights reserved

Rights statement

• In Copyright

GW Unit

• Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Degree

• Ph.D.

Advisor

• Leng, Yongsheng

Persistent URL

•  https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/etd/tm70mv380