Effects of GO@CS core-shell nanomaterials loading positions on the properties of thin film nanocomposite membranes

Abstract Embedding nanomaterials in thin film composite membranes to overcome the dynamic balance between salt rejection and permeability has become a research hotspot. Apparently, the filling positions of nanomaterials in membranes have a significant influence on membrane properties. In this work, GO@CS core-shell nanomaterials was firstly successfully synthesized, with good hydrophilicity and fast water transmission channels. Then the influences of addition amounts and loading positions of GO@CS on membrane performance were explored. Results demonstrated that embedding GO@CS with 0.01 wt% in the polyamide layer could give full play to the advantages of core-shell nanomaterials and improve the water flux and salt rejection (water flux increased by 115%, salt rejection increased to 99.10%), as well as the performance stability. Compared with TFN membrane with GO@CS embedded between the polyamide layer and supporting layer, the TFN membrane with GO@CS embedded in the polyamide layer could make full use of advantages provided by GO@CS that fast water transmission channels and the interlayer spacing assisting in salt rejection. This work provided guidances for the effect of nanomaterials with hierarchical pores embedding position on membrane performance.