关键词: Desalination applications, Reverse osmosis membrane architecture, Biomimetic synthesis, Nano-fltration, Water purifcation

Abstract: A substantial amount of Earth’s water is inadequate for human consumption while local demand is outstripping traditional supplies in many world regions; thereby, brackish and seawater treatment has become a prerequisite. This investigation suggested a complete design of an RO-based desalination filter with a multilayer biomimetic membrane. The study demonstrated a comprehensive method for experimentally fabricating a proprietary biomaterial-based multilayer nano-porous membrane. This analysis revealed that Silk Nano-Fibril (SNF) and Hydroxyapatite (HAP) extracted from Bombyx Mori silkworm cocoons may be utilized to manufacture highly methodical multilayer membranes by incorporating protein-self-assembly and in-situ-bio-mineralization. Membrane’s aquaporin layer containing lipid-bilayers has rapid water permeability and high efficacy at eliminating salt ions and contaminants. The 4 μm thick SNF/HAP membrane showed a considerable decrease in salinity, with a salt rejection of 93.33%. The proposed membrane had a saline water permeability of 6.58 LMH/bar, almost 61.09% higher than conventional TFC membranes. Hydrophobic barrier and spiral-wrapped filter architecture of the membrane enable low fouling and self-cleaning properties. The schematic filter design and biomimetic fabrication of the SNF/HAP membrane have formulated a conceptual framework that might direct to the broad-scale, low-cost RO water purification filters, increasing the efficiency of water desalination and boosting the effectiveness of water treatment technologies to reduce potable water scarcity.

Key words: Desalination applications, Reverse osmosis membrane architecture, Biomimetic synthesis, Nano-fltration, Water purifcation