Improvement of performance and antifouling properties of reverse osmosis membranes using green additive

ABSTRACT Aqueous extract of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds was used as a novel environmental friendly additive to improve the performance and anti-biofouling properties of cellulose acetate reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. Modified membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, while the anti-biofouling properties were studied by water contact-angle measurements, water content measurements, and static protein adsorption. The effect of modification of the membrane on the salt rejection and water flux was studied using a crossflow RO unit. The results indicated that modified membranes have lower contact angle accomplished with high water content. They showed limited adsorption of protein and microbes, in addition to increased salt rejection and water flux values.