Improving the performance of novel polysulfone-based membrane via sulfonation method: Application to water desalination

High-performance polymers for water desalination were designed. A novel polysulfone was prepared via reaction between a new synthesized pyridine-based diol and bis(4-fluorophenyl) sulfone. Also a series of disulfonated copolymers with sulfonation content of 20–50 wt% were prepared to compare the hydrophilicity with the pristine polymer. The generated membranes were characterized by microscopic, mechanical, and thermal methods, and the influence of sulfonation degree on hydrophilicity, water flux, and salt rejection was followed. Water flux of sulfonated membranes was increased compare to pristine membrane as sulfonation increased, while the salt rejection decreased. Optimum application performance was obtained for membrane with 30 wt% sulfonation content. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48568.