Removal of Humic Acid Using 3-Methacryloxypropyl Trimethoxysilane Functionalized MWCNT Loaded TiO2/PES Hybrid Membrane

Abstract

In the present work, a highly efficient mixed matrix membrane (MMM) for humic acid (HA) removal was developed. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized in the presence of 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane using the co-condensation method and were subsequently loaded with TiO2 (prepared via the sol–gel route). The as-prepared material was then incorporated into a PES polymer solution to prepare a fMWCNT-TiO2/PES hybrid membrane via non-solvent induced phase inversion. The microstructure of the membrane was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle, thickness, porosity, and pore size. The fMWCNT-TiO2/PES hybrid membrane was tested for the removal of HA and antifouling performance. The results show that the surface hydrophilicity of the membranes was greatly improved upon the addition of the fMWCNT-TiO2 particles. The results show that 92% of HA was effectively removed after 1 h of filtration. In comparison with pristine membrane, the incorporation of fMWCNT-TiO2 nanoparticles led to enhanced pure water flux (99.05 L/m2 h), permeate flux (62.01 L/m2 h), higher HA rejection (92%), and antifouling improvement (RFR: 37.40%, FRR: 86.02%). Thus, the fMWCNT-TiO2/PES hybrid membrane is considered to be a great potential membrane for the improvement of ultrafiltration membranes.

New Insights into the Fouling of a Membrane during the Ultrafiltration of Complex Organic–Inorganic Feed Water

“…Numerous forms of natural organic and inorganic matter in wastewater cause fouling of the membrane. One of the organic foulants of the membrane is humic acid (HA) present in soil and water, while silica particles (SiO 2 ), widely used nanoparticles in many products, can appear as inorganic foulants [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Humic substances can reside in the soil for a very long time due to the interactions with clay minerals and have an impact on the ecosystem, including carbon cycling, nutrient intake, transport, and foulant transfer [ 9 ].…”

Purification Effect of PES-C Ultrafiltration Membrane Incorporated with Emodin on Acanthopanax Senticosus Injection

“…Common membrane materials include organic polymer and inorganic materials, among which the former is widely used. Organic polymer membrane materials mainly include polysulfone [ 3 , 4 , 5 ], cellulose [ 6 , 7 ], polyamide [ 8 , 9 ], fluoropolymers, etc [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Phenolphthalide polyethersulfone (PES-C) is a kind of polysulfone, its structure determines its good hydrolysis resistance, mechanical property, and thermodynamic stability, and it is widely used in the preparation of fuel cell membranes [ 13 ], ultrafiltration/nanofiltration membranes [ 14 , 15 ] and nanofiber composite membranes [ 16 ].…”