Nanofiltration Membrane Characterization

The use of characterization techniques helps membrane scientists and engineers to follow a membrane throughout its life. Characterization tests can inspect membrane samples right after fabrication in order to check if a membrane batch meets expectations. Later, they become vital for rationalizing membrane separation performance and propensity to fouling and for gaining insights into separation mechanisms and membrane/fluid interactions. Finally, after the “death” of a membrane, membrane autopsy may elucidate the cause(s) of its failure (physical/chemical degradation, [bio]fouling, scaling…). This chapter gives an overview of the most relevant tools for characterizing nanofiltration membranes. It includes techniques providing information about the structure and morphology of membranes, their chemical composition as well as their separation, and mechanical and surface characteristics.