Combined water flux enhancement of PES-based TFC membranes in ultrasonic-assisted forward osmosis processes

Abstract For PES-based TFC FO membranes, a significant water flux surge occurred after a moderate ultrasonic irradiation. The Change in membrane transport parameters illustrated that internal concentration polarization (ICP) was weakened due to decreased structural parameter. Combined water flux enhancement via real-time ultrasonic irradiation was obtained and related to the CP effect and membrane orientation. Increasing irradiation intensity was more suitable in PRO mode than in FO mode. Low FS concentration in concentration combinations represented high ratio of ultrasonic-induced flux increment to energy input. Multiplying concentration difference was beneficial to obtain high conversion ratio of ultrasonic power to water flux.