Fabrication of the PES Membrane Embedded with Plasma-Modified Zeolite at Different O₂ Pressures

Abstract

In this research, the non-thermal glow discharge plasma process was implemented to modify the surface of natural clinoptilolite zeolite before incorporation into the polyethersulfone (PES) membrane. The influence of plasma gas pressure variation on the fouling resistance and separation performance of the prepared membranes was studied. Fourier transform infrared, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analyses of the unmodified and modified clinoptilolites revealed the Si–OH–Al bond’s development during plasma treatment and the change in surface characteristics. In terms of performance, increasing the plasma gas pressure during clinoptilolite treatment resulted in the twofold enhancement of water flux from 91.2 L/m2 h of bare PES to 188 L/m2 h of the membrane containing plasma-treated clinoptilolite at 1.0 Torr pressure. Meanwhile, the antifouling behavior of membranes was improved by introducing more hydrophilic functional groups derived from the plasma treatment process. Additionally, the enhanced dye separation of membranes was indicated by the separation of 99 and 94% of reactive green 19 and reactive red 195, respectively.

Molecular dynamics coupled with experimental study of the effects of polyethylene glycol on the structure and antifouling properties of polyethersulfone membranes

“…The PES membrane was prepared by the nonsolvent‐induced phase separation (NIPS) method 30–33 . First, PES particles were dissolved in DMAc and heated at 80°C in a water bath for 6 h. Then, the PEG additives (200, 400, and 600 Da) were added to the PES solution at 4, 12, and 24 wt% and mixed by stirring at 200 rpm for 4 h. To remove suspended gas bubbles from the resulting homogenous casting solutions, they were kept at 60°C for 24 h in a vacuum oven before casting.…”

“…The PES membrane was prepared by the nonsolventinduced phase separation (NIPS) method. [30][31][32][33] First, PES particles were dissolved in DMAc and heated at 80 C in a water bath for 6 h. Then, the PEG additives (200, 400, and 600 Da) were added to the PES solution at 4, 12, and 24 wt % and mixed by stirring at 200 rpm for 4 h. To remove suspended gas bubbles from the resulting homogenous casting solutions, they were kept at 60 C for 24 h in a vacuum oven before casting. Each solution was poured evenly on a glass pane with a 300 μm-thick scraper and exposed to the specific environment (28 C, 80% humidity) for 100 s. The glass plate with the thin membrane was then immersed in a deionized water bath without delay to remove the residual DMAc and the additives.…”

Improvement of Permeability and Antifouling Properties of Polyamide Thin-Film Nanocomposite Nanofiltration Membranes Using Boron Nitride Quantum Dots

“…Mixed matrix/nanocomposite membranes often show impressive properties and efficiency . Absorption, separation, significant interaction, and mechanical properties are upgraded in mixed-matrix/nanocomposite membranes. − Nanoparticle dispersal in the polymeric active layer is an appropriate procedure to reach the ideal objectives. − To achieve superior properties such as increasing flux and improving rejection and antifouling properties, various nanofillers like TiO 2 , zeolite, boron nitride, quantum dots, silver, etc. have been employed in these membranes.…”

“…12−14 Nanoparticle dispersal in the polymeric active layer is an appropriate procedure to reach the ideal objectives. 15−18 To achieve superior properties such as increasing flux and improving rejection and antifouling properties, various nanofillers like TiO 2 , 19 zeolite, 20 boron nitride, 21 quantum dots, 22 silver, 23 etc. have been employed in these membranes.…”