Fabrication and applications of polyethersulfone hollow fiber membranes

Polyethersulfone (PES) is a polymeric material with good chemical stability, mechanical strength, and thermal stability. It has been used in various separation processes such as gas separation, water filtration, and osmotic power generation. Membrane performance of PES hollow fibers can be controlled by manipulating the membrane fabrication process, e.g., dope/bore fluid preparation, spinning conditions, and postspinning treatments. The effects of factors such as the compositions and flow rates of dope and bore fluid, air gap, take-up speed, drying method, etc., on membrane structure and properties are presented. In addition, desirable properties of PES hollow fiber membranes are discussed for applicable separation processes.