Experimental_Flat-sheet membrane test_WP2_LENN

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the first set of flat-sheet UF membranes with 40wt% GO (UC4) using a custom-built filtration setup as described in GCP cards in Task 2.4. The tests were conducted in LENN lab from January to End of February 2025. The objective was to observe membrane behavior, specifically mechanical stability, permeability and contaminant rejection, under controlled laboratory conditions. However, full flat-sheet characterization, as outlined in the corresponding data cards, could not be completed. During the filtration tests, which were performed by pressurizing a stainless-steel flow cell containing the membrane, the membranes physically broke under operational conditions. In addition to mechanical failure, it was observed that the membranes' pore sizes were too large to effectively reject the target compounds, limiting their practical application. In response to these findings, a new batch of membranes is currently being developed with improved mechanical strength and optimized pore size. These improvements aim to ensure reliable operation and effective separation performance in future testing phases. Therefore, this research is most suitable within the scope of WP2.3.