Abstract: A method is provided for producing a high flux, high salt rejection cellulose acetate desalination membrane. In this method, cellulose acetate polymer is dissolved in a first solvent such as methylene chloride or 2-methyltetrahydrofuran to produce a solution. Further steps involve stirring the solution, and thereafter permitting the solution to settle, for a time sufficient for a majority of the cellulose acetate to precipitate out of the solution to form a cellulose acetate precipitate. Next, the cellulose acetate precipitate is stirred into an excess methanol. Thereafter, the cellulose acetate is filtered out and used in making the desalination membrane.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 9, 2007
Date of Patent:
February 28, 2012
Assignees:
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Interior, The Bereau of Reclamation, Separation Systems Technology Inc.
Inventors:
Andrew Patrick Murphy, Saied Delagah, Robert Lee Riley