Partitioning and Diffusivity of arsenic(III) in the Active Layer of Thin-Film Composite Reverse Osmosis and Nanofiltration Membranes

The main objective of this study, therefore, was to understand the mechanism controlling the permeation of a neutral molecule (arsenic (III)) through RO/NF membranes. The permeation of potassium iodide (KI), used as background electrolyte, was also investigated. This study introduced Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) into the membrane field. Major achievements were made from three perspectives: (1) successful characterization of membrane physico-chemical properties, including elemental composition, thickness and roughness of membrane active layer; (2) characterization of the partitioning behavior of neutral and ionic species at various pH and concentration conditions; (3) differentiation of diffusive permeation from advection with permeation data using a simplified solution-diffusion model. By integrating obtained information on membrane properties, solute-membrane interactions, and rejection performance, a better understanding on the mechanisms controlling the transport of neutral and ionic species through RO/NF membranes was attained.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Civl and Environmental Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Mi, Baoxia

Contributors dc:contributor

• Mariñas, Benito J.

• Engineering, Environmental

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3242939

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/83304