Abstract: A liquid cell for in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurement of a sample during filtration is provided. The liquid cell includes a cantilever probe; a cantilever holder to position the probe near a surface of a sample (e.g., a filtration membrane); a liquid cell housing provided to hold the sample and comprising an opening at the top; an upper part; a lower part; an internal cavity to contain a fluid; a fluid inlet passage located in the upper part; a first fluid outlet passage located in the upper part; and a second fluid outlet passage located in the lower part. A method of in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurement of a sample during filtration in a liquid by using the liquid cell described herein is also provided.

Abstract: A novel fluid filtration system that exhibits antifouling properties against a variety of potential foulants includes at least one filtration membrane placed in a cross-flow filtration module. The module is subjected to microwave irradiation at a certain power or intensity over a controlled time interval. At least one microwave generator produces microwaves and may be fixed or movable to treat the fluid. Dislodged foulants are removed by the microwave electromagnetic energy from the filtration membrane and carried away in a cross-flow stream and wasted or recycled back to a feed solution container. The filtration system may use different filtration configurations such as, but not limited to, flat sheet, hollow fiber, spiral wound and tubular membranes. The filtration membrane materials may be polymeric, ceramic, and combinations. The functionalized membranes can be such as, but not limited to, membranes coated or blended or cross-linked with materials displaying strong microwave absorption; and combinations.

Abstract: A liquid cell for in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurement of a sample during filtration is provided. The liquid cell includes a cantilever probe; a cantilever holder to position the probe near a surface of a sample (e.g., a filtration membrane); a liquid cell housing provided to hold the sample and comprising an opening at the top; an upper part; a lower part; an internal cavity to contain a fluid; a fluid inlet passage located in the upper part; a first fluid outlet passage located in the upper part; and a second fluid outlet passage located in the lower part. A method of in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurement of a sample during filtration in a liquid by using the liquid cell described herein is also provided.

Abstract: A novel fluid filtration system that exhibits antifouling properties against a variety of potential foulants includes at least one filtration membrane placed in a cross-flow filtration module. The module is subjected to microwave irradiation at a certain power or intensity over a controlled time interval. At least one microwave generator produces microwaves and may be fixed or movable to treat the fluid. Dislodged foulants are removed by the microwave electromagnetic energy from the filtration membrane and carried away in a cross-flow stream and wasted or recycled back to a feed solution container. The filtration system may use different filtration configurations such as, but not limited to, flat sheet, hollow fiber, spiral wound and tubular membranes. The filtration membrane materials may be polymeric, ceramic, and combinations. The functionalized membranes can be such as, but not limited to, membranes coated or blended or cross-linked with materials displaying strong microwave absorption; and combinations.