Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of modifying a surface of a membrane includes exposing the surface to an impinging atmospheric pressure plasma source to produce an activated surface, and exposing the activated surface to a solution including a vinyl monomer. In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a desalination membrane includes treating a surface of the membrane with an impinging atmospheric plasma source for an optimal period of time and rf power, and exposing the surface to an aqueous solution containing a vinyl monomer. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a membrane having a surface, and polymer chains terminally grafted onto the surface of the membrane.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of modifying a surface of a substrate includes activating the surface of the substrate, and polymerizing the surface of the substrate. The polymerizing including subjecting the surface of the substrate to a monomer solution at a temperature of between 105° C. and 130° C. for a first period of time and subjecting the surface of the substrate to the monomer solution at a temperature of between 70° C. and 90° C. for a second period of time different than the first period of time. In another embodiment, a method of modifying a surface of a substrate includes activating the surface of the substrate, and graft polymerizing a vinyl monomer onto the surface of the substrate. The polymerizing including subjecting the surface of the substrate to a mixture including a monomer solution and 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy at a concentration of between 5 and 20 mM. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a substrate having a surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of modifying a surface of a membrane includes exposing the surface to an impinging atmospheric pressure plasma source to produce an activated surface, and exposing the activated surface to a solution including a vinyl monomer. In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a desalination membrane includes treating a surface of the membrane with an impinging atmospheric plasma source for an optimal period of time and rf power, and exposing the surface to an aqueous solution containing a vinyl monomer. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a membrane having a surface, and polymer chains terminally grafted onto the surface of the membrane.