Cross-linked thin poly(vinyl alcohol) membrane supported on polysulfone in tea polyphenol separation.

Cross-linked polymeric colloids are coated over porous polysulfone support by a simple method to prepare high-flux membrane for separation of tea polyphenols. The colloidal particles were prepared by electrostatic interaction and cross-linking between poly(vinyl alcohol) and maleic acid. The membrane exhibited >90% rejection of polyethylene glycol of 6000 Da molecular weight. The membranes exhibited flux of about 15-20 LMH with 70-90% polyphenol retention depending upon the coating and support types at 500 psi and had shown stability under continuous running of the separation experiments in water or methanol at pressurized condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]