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Standardization of nanofiltration membrane performance evaluation and analysis of structure-performance relationships

Authors： CHEN Ziyang1， XIAO Shiyu1， LIU Yuan1， QI Fuju1， LOU Yu1， LU Yongqi1， ZHANG Hao1， LIU Guocai2， LI Feng2， NI Kaikuo2，WAN Yinhua1， LUO Jianquan1

Units： 1. State Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery，Institute of Process Engineering,Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China； 2. Hebei Yuanqing Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd., Shijiazhuang 051430, China

KeyWords： thin-film composite membrane; standardization of evaluation; structure-performance relationship；pore size distribution

ClassificationCode：TQ028

year,volume(issue):pagination： 2026,46(1):106-119

Abstract：

Nanofiltration (NF) membranes have been widely applied in specialized separations due to their high separation efficiency and low energy consumption. However, inconsistencies among existing performance evaluation methods have led to poor data comparability, and the mechanisms underlying structure-performance relationships remain unclear, hindering optimization and broader application. In this study, a standardized NF membrane performance evaluation protocol was established to systematically investigate the relationship between structural characteristics and separation performance for thirteen commercial thin-film composite NF membranes. The unified testing procedure ensured greater comparability of performance data, providing a reliable basis for in-depth exploration of structure-performance relationship. Based on the results for the thirteen membranes, those with molecular weight cut-offs (MWCO) above 300 Da exhibited broader pore size distributions, larger variations in inorganic salt rejection, and poorer antifouling properties; membranes with MWCOs below 200 Da showed narrower pore distributions and similar divalent salt rejections, but high surface roughness weakened antifouling resistance. High hydrophilicity enhanced permeability and antifouling performance but might compromise alkali and solvent resistance. The study demonstrated that pore size distribution and cross-linking degree were the key determinants of separation performance, while surface chemistry and roughness significantly influenced antifouling behavior and stability. The proposed standardized testing method not only provides a reliable data foundation for comparative evaluation and optimized design of NF membranes but also establishes a basis for applying deep learning to unravel complex structure-performance relationships.

Funds：

国家自然科学基金面上项目（22278406）

AuthorIntro：

陈紫阳（2002-），男，安徽阜阳人，硕士研究生，主要研究方向为AI驱动生物分离膜材料开发

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