Abstract
Surface modification of carbon nanotubes is a common method to improve their compatibility with polymer matrix in membranes. In this study, polyethersulfone (PES) nanocomposite membranes were prepared by incorporation of modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). For this purpose, diallyldimethylammonium chloride was used as a monomer for the functionalization of carboxylated-MWCNT via in situ polymerization. Synthesized polymer possessed a positive charge on repeating unit, which increased the hydrophilicity of carboxylated-MWCNT. The properties and performances of the modified carboxylated-MWCNT and nanocomposite membranes were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), contact angle measurement, salt, heavy metal, and dye removal, and fouling studies. The occurrence of the modification reaction was confirmed by FT-IR and TGA studies. Results showed that the incorporation of modified carboxylated-MWCNT into polyethersulfone membranes improved their performance in the separation of salts, heavy metal ions, and dyes. Furthermore, the surface hydrophilicity of membranes was improved by loading of modified carboxylated-MWCNT, and other properties like the pure water flux and anti-fouling resistance of PES membranes were refined remarkably. More importantly, the membranes containing modified additive showed pH sensitivity because of ammonium groups in the attached polymer chain.
Published Version
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