Abstract
CoFe2O4 nanoengineered membranes were developed, fully characterized, and evaluated for their effectiveness in removing salts and Naproxen from aqueous solution. Unlike previous studies, interfacial interactions were quantified and used to explain the observed membrane characteristics in terms of water transport, solute rejection, and membrane physico-chemical properties. The addition of CoFe2O4 improved mechanical and rejection properties of PES membranes; inorganic salts and Naproxen were rejected by 80%. The solutes were rejected mainly by electrostatic exclusion rather than size exclusion. The observed salt rejection was best explained by the Donnan model as the main rejection mechanism and highlighted the role of valences on solute rejection. The solute rejection was due to size exclusion and electrostatic effects. The observed salt rejection through electrostatic interactions was best explained by the Donnan model as one of rejection mechanisms and highlighted the role of valences in solute rejection. Cross-sectional imaging revealed that the addition of 1 wt% CoFe2O4 led to formation of membranes with dense thick active layers with decreased pore sizes. Although this improved solute rejection, the modification negatively impacted hydraulic resistance where an increase in the pressure drop across the membrane was noted. The rejection of Naproxen was further improved by decrease in membrane-solute affinity interactions as the membranes became more hydrophilic upon nanoparticle addition. Further, nanoengineered membranes’ antimicrobial activities revealed inactivation of S. aureus bacteria under both light and dark conditions. CoFe2O4 nanoengineered membranes are suitable for desalination, bacterial disinfection, and wastewater reclamation. The membranes are expected to have a longer lifespan due to the improvement in adhesive properties and tensile strengths upon modification with nanoparticles.
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