Characterization and Evaluation of Reverse Osmosis Membranes Modified with Ag2O Nanoparticles to Improve Performance

Abstract

The objective of this work was to prepare and characterize a new and highly efficient modified membrane by in situ interfacial polymerization on porous polysulfone supports. The process used m-phenylenediamine and trimesoyl chloride in hexane, incorporating silver oxide Ag2O nanoparticles of varied concentrations from 0.001 to 0.1 wt%. Ag2O nanoparticles were prepared at different sizes varying between 20 and 50 nm. The modified membranes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and contact angle measurement. The results showed a smooth membrane surface and average surface roughness from 31 to 74 nm. Moreover, hydrophilicity improved and the contact angle decreased to 41° at 0.009 wt% silver oxide. The performances of the developed membranes were investigated by measuring permeate fluxes and salt rejection capability by passing NaCl solutions (2000 ppm) through the membranes at 225 psi. The results showed that the flux increased from 26 to 40.5 L/m2 h, while the salt rejection was high, at 99 %, with 0.003 wt% Ag2O nanoparticles.

Cellulose acetate ultrafiltration membranes customized with copper oxide nanoparticles for efficient separation with antifouling behavior

“…On account of the higher amount of CuO nanoparticles in the CA‐1 membrane, the contact angle value increases again possibly due to the more viscous casting dope. Consequently, a denser membrane is formed which may be composed of small pores than CA‐0.5 nanocomposite membrane 47,48 …”

“…Consequently, a denser membrane is formed which may be composed of small pores than CA-0.5 nanocomposite membrane. 47,48…”

Mn3O4 nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization and their antimicrobial and anticancer activity against A549 and MCF-7 cell lines

“…These nanoparticles have made a tremendous impact in the various applications such as catalysis, pharmaceutics, optics, food technology, cosmetics, water treatment, electrochemistry, energy, biomedicine, biosensor cancer treatment, healthcare and drug delivery ( Al-Hobaib et al, 2015 , Bae et al, 2006 , Dreaden et al, 2012 , El-Sayed and Kamel, 2020 , Kung and Kung, 2003 , Mu and Sprando, 2010 , Ndlovu et al, 2020 ). The nanoparticles properties in the medicinal arena were improved greater associated to their bulk counterparts.…”

“Miswak” Based Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: Evaluation and Comparison of Their Microbicidal Activities with the Chemical Synthesis

“…Additionally, Ag-NPs have also been found to possess several biological properties—anti-HIV [15], larvicidal [16], and anti-platelets [17], etc. Moreover, Ag-NPs have also been used in textiles [18], water desalination [19], and food packaging [20], etc.…”