University of Science and Technology of Oran -

Mohamed BOUDIAF -
faculty of chemistry
Department: Materials Engineering
Theme
Option: Materials : Engineering
Process
Removal of urea in ultrapure water system by
urease-coated reverse
Presented by: osmosis membrane
 Introduction

Results and discussion

1- Membrane characterization

1-1 Surface characteristics of the membranes

1-2 ICP-MS

2.Membrane performance

3. Urea removal efficiency

Materials and methods

Conclusion
 Introduction
The semiconductor industry is undergoing a second super cycle due to increased
demand. Ultra-pure water (UPW) is essential in its manufacturing for cleaning and
etching components, as impurities affect transistor performance. UPW is produced
through methods such as absorption, membrane filtration, ion exchange, and UV
oxidation. Although some methods like reverse osmosis can remove large organic
compounds, compounds like urea, which are small and resistant to oxidation, are
difficult to remove efficiently, with current methods achieving less than 50% removal.
 2. Enhancing hydrophilicity:
Membrane
characterizatio Increasing the membrane's
n ability to attract water through
the immobilization process.
1.1. Surface characteristics of
the membranes
Results 3. Analytical techniques:
Urease immobilization: and Using techniques such as FT-IR,
The process of binding the enzyme
discussion water contact angle
to the membrane to maintain its measurements, and SEM to analyze
function. membrane properties.
4. Results:
1. Maintaining the active site:
Successful immobilization with a decrease in the water contact
Ensuring the proper
angle and changes in surface tension, while the membrane shape
orientation of the nickel-bis
remained unchanged.
site for urease activity.
 1.2. ICP-MS
Immobilization Mechanism:
ICP-MS Analysis: This technique At lower ratios, multiple
was used to quantify the amount of urease molecules bind to a
urease immobilized on the single active site, reducing
membrane. efficiency. In contrast, at
Results higher ratios, each urease
Effect of NHS: and molecule binds to fewer
Urease Ratio: The amount of
immobilized urease increased
discussion active sites, allowing for
more efficient
with a higher NHS: urease ratio.
immobilization.

Conclusion:
Optimizing the NHS: urease ratio is essential for maximizing urease immobilization and enhancing
the catalytic activity of the membrane.
Membrane Performance Evaluation:
The effect of urease coating on
membrane performance using
Membrane
distilled water and 2000 mg/L of
performanc
NaCl. e
Water Flux and Salt Rejection:
ACA Coating:
Decrease in water flux and
increase in salt rejection due Results Decrease in flux and
to the effect of urease acting and increase in salt rejection
as an additional layer.
discussion when 6-amino caproic acid
Previous Studies:
Change in membrane performance is coated on polyamide RO

when lysozyme is coated on the membranes.

surface of reverse osmosis
membranes.
1. Increased pressure leads to 3. The effect of urease immobilization on urea removal efficiency:
increased urea rejection: Immobilizing the urease enzyme on the membrane surface
When the pressure in a reverse contributes to improved performance by providing an effective
osmosis (RO) system rises, the site for the urea reaction.
rate of urea rejection increases, 4. Potential applications of urease-
improving the removal efficiency coated RO membranes:
of this substance. These membranes can be used in
water treatment systems, especially
Results in applications that require the
2. Urease-coated membranes
enhance urea removal: and removal of urea from ultrapure
Using membranes coated with discussion water.
the enzyme urease helps
catalyze the hydrolysis reaction Urea
of urea, increasing removal
removal
efficiency
efficiency.
1. Chemicals 2.Coating urease on the membrane :

In the materials and methods To coat the RO membrane with the

section, a range of high-purity urease enzyme, follow these steps:

chemicals were used. Urea, 2- 1.Clean the membrane using

morpholine-4-yl isopropanol, then rinse with distilled

ethanesulfonic acid (MES), water.

EDC, NHS, sodium phosphate, 2.Activate the membrane using

HEPES, jack bean urease, and EDC/NHS chemistry.

Conclusion
sulfuric acid were all sourced 3. Apply the urease enzyme to the

from reputable suppliers such membrane and allow it to react.

as Fisher Scientific, Sigma 4. Rinse the membrane with distilled

Aldrich, and Thermo Fisher. All water to remove excess enzyme.

chemicals used were of high 5.Store the coated membrane in

quality (> 98% or > 99%). distilled water to maintain its activity.
3. Characterization of membrane surface
1. Confirmation of urease presence using Fourier-transform
infrared spectroscopy.
2. Evaluation of hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity properties
through static water contact angle measurements.
3. Analysis of membrane morphology changes after urease
coating using SEM.4. Measurement of surface zeta potential Conclusion
using the SurPASS Electrokinetic Analyzer.
5. Use of an electrolyte solution with 1 mM KCl for streaming
potential measurements.
6. Zeta potential measurement across a pH range of 2 to 11.
Scientists have developed an innovative method for purifying
water used in sensitive industries such as semiconductor
manufacturing. This method relies on a special enzyme (urease)
to break down urea present in the water and convert it into
harmless substances. This enzyme has been immobilized on
purification membranes used in reverse osmosis processes,
significantly increasing the efficiency of urea removal and
improving water quality.The importance of this discovery:*
Technology industry: It contributes to improving the quality of
Conclusion
electronic products.* Environmental preservation: It reduces
pollution resulting from industrial water discharge.*
Sustainability: It provides an eco-friendly and economical
method for water purification.In summary, this new technology
represents a significant leap in the field of water purification and
opens new horizons for developing cleaner and more sustainable
industries.