Preparation and Characterization of Polymer Membranes Impregnated with Carbon Nanotubes for Olive Mill Wastewater.

Muna A Abu-Dalo,Borhan A Albiss,Mohannad T Aljarrah,Maysa A Al-Atoom

doi:10.3390/polym14030457

Muna A Abu-Dalo, Borhan A Albiss + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14030457

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Journal: Polymers	Publication Date: Jan 23, 2022
Citations: 8	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Jordan University of Science and Technology

Abstract

In this study, polymer membrane(s) impregnated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were developed, characterized and evaluated for removing phenolic compounds from olive mill wastewater; thus, protecting the environment and public health. Polyethersulfone/functionalized, multi-walled carbon nanotube (PES/fCNTs) membranes were synthesized via the phase inversion method using PES and acid-treated CNTs. The prepared membranes were then characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and contact angle. Results obtained from this study indicate a more hydrophilic surface for the prepared PES/fCNTs membranes, with a higher pure water flux compared to the polyethersulfone (PES) membranes. In addition, the amount of fCNTs in the membranes was found to be the most significant factor affecting the morphology and water flux of the membranes. The PES/fCNTs membranes at 1 bar with 0 wt.% and 1 wt.% of CNTs showed water flux of 37.8 and 69.71 kg/h.m2, respectively. In addition, PES/fCNTs membranes with 0.5 wt.% fCNTs showed the highest total phenol content removal of 74%.

Highlights

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) is a black liquid effluent extracted from olive oil
The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum of the blend membrane showed new peaks at 1669 cm−1 and 1408 cm−1, corresponding to the carbonyl C=O stretching vibration and the O–H bending vibration of the carboxyl group, respec‐ tively [12,27]. These peaks indicate the presence of functionalized CNTs (fCNTs) in the surface of the membranes [30]
The PES/fCNTs membranes were prepared by the phase inversion method

Summary

Introduction

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) is a black liquid effluent extracted from olive oil. OMW is characterized as dark brown to black in terms of its color. It is acidic, with high organic matter content (total dissolved solids (TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)) and a high concentration of phenols and potassium [1,2,3]. Phenolic compounds that are available in OMW are simple phenols and flavonoids; polyphenol results from the polymerization of the simple phenols. The concentration range of phenolic compounds in OMW is from 0.5 to 24 g L−1 [3]. Many studies focused on OMW treatment by several methods [9,10,11]

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