Cost-effective polyvinylchloride-based adsorbing membrane for cationic dye removal

Abstract

The current study focused on the preparation of low-cost PVC-based adsorbing membrane. Metakaolin, as available adsorbent, was embedded into the PVC matrix via solution blending method. The as-prepared PVC/metakaolin mixed matrix membranes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), pure water permeability and contact angle measurements. The results confirmed the improvement of PWP and hydrophilicity due to the presence of metakaolin in the PVC matrix. Additionally the structure of PVC membrane was changed due to the incorporation of metakaolin in the polymer matrix. The static adsorption capacity of all samples was determined through dye removal. The effect of metakaolin dosage (0-7%) and pH (4, 8, 12) on dye adsorption capacity was investigated. The results depicted that the highest adsorption capacity was achieved at pH of 4 for all samples. Additionally, adsorption data were fitted on Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin models to determine the appropriate governing isotherm model. Finally, the dynamic adsorption capacity of the optimum PVC/metakaolin membrane was studied using dead-end filtration cell. The dye removal efficiency was determined for pure PVC and PVC/metakaolin membrane. The results demonstrated that PVC/metakaolin mixed matrix membrane had a high adsorption capacity for dye removal from aqueous solution.