Controllable cross-linking of VA-co-VAm/PAN composite membranes for efficient pervaporation desalination under extreme pH conditions

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a promising membrane material for pervaporation (PV) desalination. However, the adjustment and control of the cross-linking structure is still a challenge for PVA membrane. In this study, a novel pH-resistant PVA-based composite membrane for efficient pervaporation desalination was developed by precisely adjusting the cross-linking behavior. Vinyl alcohol-vinylamine copolymer (VA-co-VAm) containing both hydroxyl and amino groups was synthesized. Cross-linking reaction was carried out based on the Schiff base reaction between amino groups (in VAm moiety) and glutaraldehyde (GA) under alkaline conditions. Cross-linking degree of PVA selective layer was carefully controlled by adjusting the amino group content in copolymer. Results showed that membrane prepared with VA-co-VAm that containing 5 wt% N-vinylformamide (NVF) displayed superior hydrophilicity and the largest free volume fraction. Pervaporation test indicated that the modified cross-linking membrane showed good stability under extreme pH conditions. Specifically, under strong acid conditions (pH ~ 1) and alkaline conditions (pH ~ 14), the membrane showed excellent desalination performance with water flux over 12 kg/(m² h), and the salt rejection higher than 99.95%. Based on the above results, the prepared membrane offers a promising platform for desalination under extreme pH conditions, which shows great potential in industrial wastewater treatment.