adding hydrophilic to the membranes affect directly on its prosperities such as porosity, pore size, roughness, and the water flux, but actually what happen to these properties if the NPs agglomerate inside the pore of the membranes?
The agglomeration of nanoparticles inside membranes can have a significant impact on the water flux, which is the rate at which water can pass through the membrane. Nanoparticles, due to their small size, high surface area, and chemical properties, can easily aggregate and form clusters or agglomerates, which can cause fouling and reduce the permeability of the membrane.
When nanoparticles agglomerate, they can block the pores of the membrane and reduce the effective surface area available for water transport. This can increase the resistance to water flow and decrease the water flux. Additionally, the agglomerates can increase the thickness of the membrane and affect the structure and stability of the membrane, which can further decrease the water flux.
To prevent or mitigate the effect of nanoparticle agglomeration, various techniques can be employed, such as controlling the size and surface charge of the nanoparticles, modifying the surface properties of the membrane, optimizing the synthesis and processing conditions, and using additives or surfactants to stabilize the nanoparticles.
Overall, the effect of nanoparticle agglomeration on water flux depends on various factors such as the size, shape, and concentration of the nanoparticles, the properties of the membrane, and the operating conditions. A proper characterization of the nanoparticles and membranes and careful optimization of the synthesis and processing parameters can help to minimize the impact of agglomeration and enhance the performance of membrane-based processes.