Work

Temporal fluctuations of non-equilibrium water accessible pathways in polyamide reverse osmosis active layers

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Molecular-scale simulations of pressure-driven transport through polyamide domains were performed. Analysis revealed the importance of non-equilibrium molecular distributions and the existence of connected pathways from feed to permeate at all times. Individual pathways were found to be ephemeral with an observed upper bound persistence time of 1.75 ns. • Equilibrium assumptions misrepresent polyamide structure during operation. • Connected water pathways span the thickness of polyamide membranes. • The connected pathways are persistent but ephemeral.

Source: Journal of Membrane Science Letters

DOI: 10.1016/j.memlet.2025.100104

Authors: Timothy M. Weigand, Riley Vickers, Cass T. Miller, Orlando Coronell

Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Language: English

Topic: Membrane Separation Technologies

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,310