Fractionation of direct dyes using modified vapor grown carbon nanofibers and zirconia in cellulose acetate blend membranes

Abstract

In the textile industry, membrane technology has been widely employed for the exclusion of direct dyes. In this research paper, firstly vapor grown carbon nanofibers (VGCNFs) were functionalized with carboxylates group via piranha oxidation, and then series of CA/PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymers were prepared by blending with varying weight percentages of modified VGCNFs and Zirconia (ZrO2). The structural morphologies of membranes were visualized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which exhibits the dispersity of dual fillers in polymer matrix thus improving the microstructure of resultant membranes. The experimental data indicates that the modified VGCNF and ZrO2 nanoparticles were shown increase hydrophilic character. The direct dyes rejection were successfully after filler addition, which were 96% (for Direct Red), 99% (for Direct Blue) and 93% (for Direct Orange). The membranes showed a better antifouling property even after several washing cycles along with improved biofouling property, both of these properties showed a better membrane life. As an outcome, this research could have been a great potential to be used to treat dyes in textile industry.