Graphene oxide–carbon nanotube composite membrane for enhanced removal of organic pollutants by forward osmosis

Abstract

Composite membranes constructed using both graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were designed to strengthen the forward osmosis (FO) technology for the removal of organic contaminants. The nano-membrane was chemically treated with organic acids, which were citric acid in this case for more efficiency in permeability and pollutant removal. The efficiency of the composite membranes in organic pollutants removal was estimated by checking the levels of COD (chemical oxygen demand), TKN (total nitrogen analysis), and (TOC) organic carbon in the water sample before and after applying the technology. The analysis of the study recommends that the nano-membranes may be appropriately used to reduce organic pollutants significantly, to 98.20% efficiency, in addition to elevating water quality standards. This was caused by the higher degree of selectivity and permeability of the membranes that was consequent to the treatment of the organic acid. In brief, the employment of citric acid in the pre-treatment procedures for the preparation of composite graphene oxide-carbon nanotube membranes for FO technology could take water cleaning technologies a step ahead toward sustainable technology. The application of the composite membrane with graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes is not only efficient in cleaning out organic contaminants but it has a lot of added benefits. These membranes are easily manufactured with a long lifespan which, in turn, makes them cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Also, forward osmosis technology reduces the energy demand compared to other water remediation methods, making it a more sustainable solution. The final point of this article is that the using of composite graphene oxide-carbon nanotube membranes treated with an organic acid, such as citric acid, in FO technology not only assists with the water treatment problem but also elevates sustainablility due to its effectiveness and is environmentally friendly.