Thin-film nanocomposite(TFN) membranes have garnered considerable attention for their potential to improve separation performance by incorporating nanomaterials. However, challenges such as these materials' uneven...Thin-film nanocomposite(TFN) membranes have garnered considerable attention for their potential to improve separation performance by incorporating nanomaterials. However, challenges such as these materials' uneven distribution and aggregation have hindered practical applications. While prior studies have largely concentrated on modifying nanosheets for compatibility with polymer matrices, the role of substrate pore size in influencing nanosheet distribution has been overlooked. In this work, MoS_(2) nanosheets were dispersed in an aqueous phase to fabricate TFN membranes, investigating the effect of substrate pore size relative to the nanosheets. By systematically varying the particle size of MoS_(2) and the pore size of the substrate, we reveal how these factors impact material distribution and structural uniformity within the membranes. Our findings reveal that larger substrate pores allow the MoS_(2)-containing monomer solution to infiltrate more effectively, minimizing nanosheet aggregation. This enhances membrane performance by promoting better dispersion. Our results underscore the importance of considering the relative size of substrate pores and nanosheets in TFN membrane design, providing a pathway to improved material integration and higher membrane efficiency.展开更多
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 22076075)Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control (No. 2023B1212060002)+1 种基金the Key Program of Fundamental Research from the Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission (No. JCYJ20220818100218039)the General Program of Fundamental Research from the Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission (No. JCY20230807092500001)。
文摘Thin-film nanocomposite(TFN) membranes have garnered considerable attention for their potential to improve separation performance by incorporating nanomaterials. However, challenges such as these materials' uneven distribution and aggregation have hindered practical applications. While prior studies have largely concentrated on modifying nanosheets for compatibility with polymer matrices, the role of substrate pore size in influencing nanosheet distribution has been overlooked. In this work, MoS_(2) nanosheets were dispersed in an aqueous phase to fabricate TFN membranes, investigating the effect of substrate pore size relative to the nanosheets. By systematically varying the particle size of MoS_(2) and the pore size of the substrate, we reveal how these factors impact material distribution and structural uniformity within the membranes. Our findings reveal that larger substrate pores allow the MoS_(2)-containing monomer solution to infiltrate more effectively, minimizing nanosheet aggregation. This enhances membrane performance by promoting better dispersion. Our results underscore the importance of considering the relative size of substrate pores and nanosheets in TFN membrane design, providing a pathway to improved material integration and higher membrane efficiency.