Modification of PSf/PIAM membrane for improved desalination applications using Chitosan coagulation media

Abstract

Polysulfone (PSf)/poly (isobutylene-alt-maleic anhydride) (PIAM) nanofiltration membranes were modified by changing the coagulation bath with various concentrations of glutaraldehyde cross-linked Chitosan solutions. Further the membranes were treated with 0.1N NaOH solution in order to achieve the hydrolysis of PIAM. The morphological changes of the membranes were determined using scanning electron microscope. The blending of PSf/PIAM membrane, the incorporation of Chitosan (CS) molecules in membrane matrix and the hydrolysis of PIAM in the membrane upon alkali treatment were studied by Attenuated Total Reflectance Infra Red (ATR-IR) spectroscopy. The hydrophilicity of modified membranes was measured using the contact angle analyzer. The pressure and time dependent pure water flux of modified PSf/PIAM/CS membranes were measured and compared with PSf/PIAM membranes (after alkali treatment). The antifouling property of membranes was determined using Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) protein rejection studies. The modified membranes showed improved hydrophilicity and reduced pore size. The order of rejection of membranes for various electrolytes was Na2SO4>MgSO4>NaCl at minimum pressure of 0.2MPa TMP. The antifouling property of modified membranes increased with an increase in the composition of Chitosan in coagulation bath and membrane M-0.8 showed a maximum fouling resistance ratio of 74%.