Effect of MoS۲ Nanosheet Coating on the Surface Properties and Reverse Osmosis Performance of Thin-Film Composite Membranes

Membranes used in water purification often face limitations such as low hydrophilicity and fouling due to surface properties, which can reduce water permeability and separation performance. In this study, a thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane was prepared via interfacial polymerization and then surface modified using MoS۲ nanosheets by spray coating method. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of MoS۲ nanosheets coating on the membrane surface properties. The membrane surface morphology was examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and the surface wettability was evaluated by water contact angle measurement. FESEM images confirmed the successful formation of a continuous polyamide selective layer with a characteristic "ridge-and-valley" morphology. After surface modification, the membrane retained its original structure, while a uniform coating of MoS۲ nanosheets was formed on the surface without any cracks, severe particle aggregation, or interlayer separation. The increase in surface roughness also indicated the success of the coating process. Water contact angle measurements showed a significant decrease from ۶۵.۲۸° for the pristine membrane to ۴۹.۹۲° for the modified membrane, indicating a significant increase in the hydrophilicity of the membrane surface. Overall, the results of this study indicate that membrane surface modification using MoS۲ nanocomposite is an effective method to increase hydrophilicity, and maintain membrane structural integrity, and can be a promising option for the development of advanced membranes in water purification applications.

کلیدواژه ها:

Thin-film nanocomposite membrane ، MoS۲ nanosheets ، Reverse osmosis ، Hydrophilicity ، FESEM