Development of novel polyether sulfone mixed matrix membranes to enhance antifouling and sustainability: Treatment of oil sands produced water (OSPW)

Abstract

The β-cyclodextrin-modified graphene oxide nanosheets (CMCD@GO), linked by chemical bonds, was successfully prepared. With it was used as fillers, the new CMCD@GO/Polyether sulfone (PES) mixed matrix membrane (CMCDGOM) was prepared by the non-solvent induced phase inversion method. FTIR, XRD and Raman Spectroscopy were used to demonstrate that CMCD@GO was successfully prepared. And the changes in the cross section and surface roughness of the CMCDGOM were observed using SEM and AFM. The modified CMCDGOM showed the larger and continuous pore size, lower surface roughness, and thinner "active layer", compared to the original GO-loading membrane (GOM). Next, the test results of the interface parameter integrated measurement system showed that the water contact angle of CMCDGOM was reduced to 50.8 ° (with GOM was 60.9 °). Then, through the experiments on the treatment of simulated oil sands produced water (OSPW), we have demonstrated the modified CMCDGOM had the higher removal efficiency (from 87.2 to 94.6%), better hydrophilicity (Jw =117.3 L•m−2•h−1, 4 bar), more excellent anti-fouling and sustainable performance (higher flux recovery and lower total flux reduction) than the original COM. The results indicated that the introduction of CMCD@GO can significantly enhance the OSPW treatment capacity of original GO mixed matrix membrane.