Fouling prevention by electrically charged thin film composite forward osmotic membranes

Forward osmosis provides a low energy alternative for waste water purification. One of the major issues facing this process is the formation of a foulant layer preventing fluid transfer across the membrane. In recent studies, a conductive layer added to the membrane surface allowing an electric charge to be present on the membrane, has been shown to decrease the rate of mineral fouling in reverse osmosis membranes. Through the application of a conductive layer made of carbon nanotubes on Hydration Technology Innovations, LLC. thin film composite membrane, the applicability of the charged surface and its effects on mineral fouling was explored for forward osmosis membranes. Extensive testing was done by placing both positive and negative charges on the membrane with varying voltage potentials. This method of fouling prevention was found to have little observable effect on the membranes resistance to mineral foulants