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A novel multi-functional CNT/ZnO/TiO 2 nano-composite ultrafiltration (UF) membrane was successfully synthesized via hydrothermal synthesis and acid treatment with the aid of ultra-sonication. Hydrothermally synthesized TiO 2 nanowires acted as the supporting matrix and the acid treated CNT/ZnO nanorods exhibited bridging characteristics to compose a “ cob-web ” like hierarchically structured nanocomposite material. This CNT/ZnO/TiO 2 nanocomposite UF membrane integrated the advantages of semiconductors and carbon based nanomaterials to be endowed high mechanical strength along with high photocatalytic capability as thus leading to producing clean water at a high membrane flux with low fouling potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A general method for the fabrication of flexible, multifunctional and hierarchically-nanostructured membranes was reported. As an example, the as-prepared TiO2 nanorod self-supporting membrane shows excellent advantages, when it is used in concurrent filtration and degradation of the pollutants in waters, including high mechanical flexibility, high permeate flux, high photocatalytic activity and no membrane fouling problem, which indicate its great potential for sustainable environmental applications. And this general method also was successfully demonstrated with a ZnO nanoflake self-supporting membrane, which also have great potential in environmental and energy applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The dextran coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been successfully synthesized and used for brackish water desalination for the first time. The dextran coated Fe3O4 MNPs well meets the stringent criteria for draw solutes of forward osmosis (FO) process via technologically integrating the good solubility of dextran and strong magnetism of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Our experimental results demonstrated that the dextran coated Fe3O4 MNPs are not only able to produce high osmotic pressure to draw clean water across FO membranes from brackish water, but also can be easily recovered from the diluted draw solution by an external magnet. Based on our currently conducted works, it is believed that the dextran coated Fe3O4 MNPs can be an ideal draw solute for brackish water desalination by using FO process in an environmental-friendly and energy-saving manner. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]