Novel Graft Copolymers as Anti-fouling Membrane Coating Materials

When commercially available polymer membranes are exposed to aqueous solutions of salt, emulsified oil droplets, and other particulate matter, their lifetime can decrease catastrophically due to reduction in flux as a result of membrane fouling. This technology provides a new class of graft copolymers capable of extending the lifespan and functionality of water purification membranes. As a membrane coating material, the graft copolymers have excellent hydrophilicity and anti-fouling properties. In addition, they contain UV-activatable functional groups to enable UV-crosslinking of the copolymers, both within the coating itself to impart structural stability and into the underlying membrane to promote strong adhesion. These graft copolymer coatings are highly effective in preventing fouling of water-filtration membranes, and in maintaining the flux levels necessary for efficient filtration. Unlike other coating materials, the anti-fouling graft copolymers do not delaminate from the membrane substrate.

TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION

ADVANTAGES

• Widely applicable: The novel graft copolymers can be used as anti-fouling coatings for a wide variety of existing commercial membranes.
• Easily implemented: The anti-fouling coating can be easily prepared by dip-coating or spin-coating the graft copolymer solution onto a membrane substrate.
• Durable: The anti-fouling membrane coating adheres to the membrane substrate, and does not delaminate when subjected to cross-flow conditions.

APPLICATIONS

Durable anti-fouling coatings for a wide variety of existing commercial membranes such as ultrafiltration (UF), microfiltration (MF), nanofiltration (NF), and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes.

ABOUT THE LEAD INVENTOR

Dr. Todd Emrick is a Professor in the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering. He is a prolific inventor and a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors.

AVAILABILITY:

Available for Licensing and Research Collaboration

DOCKET:

UMA 06-31

PATENT STATUS:

US Patents 7,750,103, 7,897,797 and 8,163,814 Issued

NON-CONFIDENTIAL INVENTION DISCLOSURE

LEAD INVENTOR:

Todd S. Emrick, Ph.D.

CONTACT:

When commercially available polymer membranes are exposed to aqueous solutions of salt, emulsified oil droplets, and other particulate matter, their lifetime can decrease catastrophically due to reduction in flux as a result of membrane fouling. This technology provides a new class of graft copolymers capable of extending the lifespan and functionality of water purification membranes. As a membrane coating material, the graft copolymers have excellent hydrophilicity and anti-fouling properties. In addition, they contain UV-activatable functional groups to enable UV-crosslinking of the copolymers, both within the coating itself to impart structural stability and into the underlying membrane to promote strong adhesion. These graft copolymer coatings are highly effective in preventing fouling of water-filtration membranes, and in maintaining the flux levels necessary for efficient filtration. Unlike other coating materials, the anti-fouling graft copolymers do not delaminate from the membrane substrate.