LG Chem Nanocomposite

Principles of Thin-Film Nanocomposite Membranes

Thin-film nanocomposite membranes leverage nanotechnology to change the structure of the thin-film of a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane. It is this thin-film that dictates the permeability and salt rejection of the membrane and therefore the economics of a desalination plant. Benign nanomaterials are introduced during the synthesis process of a traditional polymer film to produce a nanocomposite RO membrane with exceptional properties. By inserting nanomaterial into its patented TFN membrane, LG Chem has improved key performance characteristics by controlling membrane structure. The polymer thin film is formed when an aqueous monomer solution contacts an organic monomer solution and a thin film is formed. Nanomaterials are added to one or both monomer solutions and are completely encapsulated within the newly formed film. Figure 1 is a cross-section of LG Chem'sTFN membrane