Effect of temperature on the transport of water and neutral solutes across nanofiltration membranes.

We carry out a detailed experimental and theoretical study of the influence of temperature on nanofiltration performance using the Desal5DK membrane. Experimental results for the permeate volume flux density and rejection of four neutral solutes (glycerin, arabinose, glucose, and sucrose) are presented for temperatures between 22 and 50 degrees C. Solute rejection is modeled using a hindered transport theory that allows us to unveil the crucial role played by changes in the membrane structural parameters (effective pore radius and membrane thickness) due to changes in temperature.