No abstract

Organic-inorganic hybrid membrane in which nanoscale hybrid domains creating preferential pathways for selective permeation exhibits excellent performance in separation processes. Herein, a synthesis route of sol-gel reaction in acidified and hydrated ethanol to prepare silica-poly (vinyl alcohol) hybrid membrane of nanoscale homogeneity is reported. 29 Si NMR study was performed on the membrane samples to probe the connectivity of SiO4 tetrahedra in the cross-linking hybrid networks while the small-angle scattering study revealed nanostructure of the silica-polymer hybrid. TEM, DSC, IR, TGA, XRD and swelling studies were performed to study other physico-chemical properties of the membrane. The hybrid membrane exhibited superior water permeability 96 L m -2 h -1 µm than the other reported membranes in pervaporation desalination of saline water of 2000 ppm NaCl.

Chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from industrial facilities cause serious environmental problems. VOCs present in industrial wastewater are highly toxic to humans but can be valuable if it is recovered safely. A large membrane surface area is required for the treatment of dilute aqueous effluents containing dissolved VOCs. Hollow fibre membrane systems can provide a large membrane surface area per unit module. Here, we study the preparation of PDMS-polysulfone hollow fibre membrane system for application in separation of volatile organics from the aqueous stream. Dichloromethane, chloroform and dichloroethane of 300-5000 ppm in water, is used as model feed solution of aqueous effluent for the experiments. The results demonstrate that dissolved organics could be efficiently recovered from the aqueous stream, along with reclamation of water using the hollow fibre membrane system.