Electrochemical Techniques to Characterize Transport Properties of Silicon Oxide Overlayers for RO Membranes

Main Author: Amar Bhardwaj, Student, Columbia University, AMTA ADC 2018 FellowIn this research, thin-film composite reverse osmosis membranes are coated with nanofilms of silicon oxide, a novel material for this application. Silicon oxide has proven to be a selective overlayer that can overcome the limitations of the permeability-selectivity tradeoff seen in polyamide membranes. The improved selectivity conferred by silicon oxide overlayers is a great benefit for reverse osmosis desalination. In addition, this oxide-based overlayer may be resistant to oxidants used to treat biofouling, unlike polyamide, which would significantly improve the longevity of RO membranes and drive down operating costs for RO.