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Nature Meets Technology: Forward Osmosis Membrane Technology

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Biomimetic Membranes for Sensor and Separation Applications

Part of the book series: Biological and Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering ((BIOMEDICAL))

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Abstract

Biomimetic membranes may find a potential application in forward osmosis due to its capability of mimicking the highly-selective transmission of water or solutes through natural cell membranes and the gentle operating conditions of the forward osmosis process. The integration of these novel technologies for desalination may significantly reduce the energy consumption when compared to the reverse osmosis desalination technique. To further understand the process, this chapter presents fundamental concepts of forward osmosis, FO membrane characteristics, draw solute properties, as well as potential applications of FO processes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Singapore Membrane Technology Centre, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore, Singapore

    Filicia Wicaksana, Anthony G. Fane, Chuyang Tang & Rong Wang

  2. School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore, Singapore

    Anthony G. Fane, Chuyang Tang & Rong Wang

Authors
  1. Filicia Wicaksana
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  2. Anthony G. Fane
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  3. Chuyang Tang
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  4. Rong Wang
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Correspondence to Filicia Wicaksana .

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  1. Dept. Physics, Technical University of Denmark, Fysikvej 309, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark

    Claus Hélix-Nielsen

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Wicaksana, F., Fane, A.G., Tang, C., Wang, R. (2011). Nature Meets Technology: Forward Osmosis Membrane Technology. In: Hélix-Nielsen, C. (eds) Biomimetic Membranes for Sensor and Separation Applications. Biological and Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2184-5_2

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