Preparation of Hydrophobic PET Track-Etched Membranes for Separation of Oil–Water Emulsion

Ilya V Korolkov,Indira B Muslimova,Zh K Zhatkanbayeva,Asiya R Narmukhamedova,Maxim V Zdorovets,Arman B Yeszhanov,Galina B Melnikova,Sergei A Chizhik

doi:10.3390/membranes11080637

Abstract

The paper describes the separation of an oil–water emulsion by filtration using poly(ethylene terephthalate) track-etched membranes (PET TeMs) with regular pore geometry and narrow pore size distribution. PET TeMs were modified with trichloro(octyl)silane to increase their hydrophobic properties. Conditions for the modification of PET TeMs with trichloro(octyl)silane were investigated. The results of changes in the pore diameters and the contact angle depend on the concentration of trichloro(octyl)silane and the soaking time are presented. The obtained samples were characterized by FTIR, AFM, SEM-EDX and gas-permeability test. Chloroform–water and cetane–water emulsions have been used as a test liquid for oil–water separation.

Highlights

Rapid growth in the oil and gas, petrochemical, metallurgical and food processing industries has resulted in a large production of oily wastewater
The effective use of track-etched membranes (TeMs) in the separation of oil–water emulsions requires a significant expansion of the range of their characteristics
At the first time we present the results of PET TeMs hydrophobization by simple method of soaking in trichloro(octyl)silane solution via polycondensation reaction on membrane surface

Summary

Introduction

Rapid growth in the oil and gas, petrochemical, metallurgical and food processing industries has resulted in a large production of oily wastewater. The choice and effectiveness of oil/water separation methods depends on the size of the oil droplets, and on other factors such as an oil concentration and chemical composition [3] For these purposes, various methods can be used, such as flotation, coagulation, extraction, biodegradation and membrane technologies. Membrane technologies for the separation of oil–water emulsions have advantages, consisting in a higher permeate quality, the possibility of separating diluted stable emulsions, a smaller plant footprint, easier automation, no need for chemicals and, a decrease in waste and energy consumption [5]. The effective use of TeMs in the separation of oil–water emulsions requires a significant expansion of the range of their characteristics (pore structure, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, the creation of special chemical groups on the surface). Obtained hydrophobic PET TeMs were tested in separation of chloroform–water and cetane–water emulsions

Chemicals

Oil–Water Separation

Results and Discussion