Yazan Ibrahim

The membrane-based water treatment processes utilize flat sheet membranes with micro or nanopores to separate contaminants from water under the influence of applied pressure. However, these membranes encounter a critical challenge represented by the gradual accumulation of undesirable substances and particles on the membrane surface and within its pores, leading to severe membrane fouling over time. To address this critical issue, Yazan has created a porous surface-patterned membrane with unique features that can battle membrane fouling by having the following characteristics: 

1. The patterns lead to the formation of turbulent eddies and back vortices on the membrane surface which effectively repel foulants, preventing their deposition on the surface. 

2. The high shear stress gradient that forms on these patterns, a feature validated through numerical simulations, makes it exceptionally challenging for foulants to accumulate on these patterns leaving them almost always clean during the filtration process. 

These distinctive characteristics collectively provide superior anti-fouling capabilities to the surface-patterned membranes. Furthermore, integrating these porous surface patterns enhances the effective membrane area by approximately 32%, leading to an increase in membrane permeability. This innovative approach not only resolves the persisting fouling challenge but also enhances the efficiency and durability of membrane-based water treatment processes.