Efficient removal of both cationic and anionic dyes from water using a single rGO/PSS nanocomposite membrane with superior permeability and high aqueous stability

Abstract

In the present era, water decontamination is important for the sustainable development and environmental well-being. Recently, graphene-based materials are highly explored for environmental remediation processes because of their various intriguing properties. In this report, a single graphene-polymer based membrane is demonstrated for the efficient separation of both cationic and anionic dyes from water. An environmental friendly method is adopted for the preparation of the membrane in a controlled manner. Here, a rGO/PSS composite is used for the fabrication of the a rGP membrane using a simple vacuum filtration method. The fabricated membrane has excellent water permeability ∼ 600 Lm−2h−1bar−1 along with high aqueous stability and recyclability. The fabricated single membrane can remove both cationic (MB) and anionic (MO) dyes with a removal efficiency of more than 99% and 96% respectively. Antifouling properties of the membrane are also investigated, which shows 57% of fouling recovery ratio while using higher concentration of fouling reagent (SA). The excellent water permeability, high removal efficiency, significant aqueous stability in both acidic and basic medium, and good antifouling behavior are promising for its practical application in harsh environmental conditions.