I am making the nacred-inspired layered membrane graphene/PVA from nanosheets and crosslink polymer in order to separate the oil-in-water emulsion Hexadecane-Tween80-DIW.
The membranes I used in every batch were synthesized in the same way (same inorganic loading, same mass of polymer) and have the similar pure water fluxes. The membranes operated under pure water filtration for 30min before oiil separation to prevent the effect of compact.
I prepared the emulsion by firstly preparing the surfactant solution 200mg/L. Secondly, dropwise 15mL the surfactant solution in 1.5mL hexadecane. Thirdly stir for 2h at room temperature.
After filtrating by graphene/PVA membranes, the fluxes from permeate were not consistent. For example: 175, 185 and 275 L/mh for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd batch. However, regarless of the flux values, the permeates were quite transparents (compared to DIW absorbance).
If anyone encountered similar situation, please share with me how to overcome.
Regards,
Is it possible that the extent of mixing is inconsistent between batches even with using the same method? I suggest making a test of several batches of the permeate at the same time and then checking them individually after mixing with a microscope or other method to evaluate heterogeneity.
It will be necessary to evaluate the issue step by step through your process. Good luck!
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