Preparation and characterization of poly(Ether block amide)/graphene membrane for recovery of isopropanol from aqueous solution via pervaporation

Abstract

In the present research, for the first time, hydrophobic graphene nanoplatelets were used as filler to prepare novel poly(ether block amide) /graphene membranes for enhancing the removal of isopropanol from the aqueous solution by pervaporation (PV) process. Graphene at the concentrations of 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 wt% was added to the polymeric solutions. The membranes were characterized using tests of scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffractometer, thermogravimetric analysis, mechanical strength, degree of swelling, and contact angle. The pervaporation experiments were accomplished using the feed containing 4 wt% of isopropanol at 50°C and permeate pressure of 20 mm Hg. The results showed that with the addition of graphene, thermal stability, tensile strength, and hydrophobicity of the prepared membranes were increased. Permeate flux, separation factor, and swelling degree of the prepared membranes were increased with the initial increase in the graphene content, whereas when the graphene content exceeded 1–1.5 wt%, these parameters decreased. The highest separation factor (10.04) and isopropanol flux (248.5 g/(m2 h)) were obtained for the hybrid membrane containing 1.5 wt% graphene in the polymeric solution. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2259–2267, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers