Synthesis of composite membranes modified with graphene oxide and polyethylene glycol for the removal of emerging contaminants from water

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO) incorporation of the polymer matrix of membranes can provide properties such as great durability, resistance, and reduction of fouling. In turn, polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a polymer capable of increasing the porosity and flow of membranes. The study aimed to analyze the synthesis of composite membrane polysulfone (PSF), GO and PEG, to separate caffeine, diclofenac sodium, and amoxicillin dispersed in water. It observed an increase in roughness through the incorporation of GO and its reduction with the addition of PEG. Membrane permeability increased from 0.61 L m-2 h-1 bar-1 to 4.54 L m-2 h-1 bar-1 after the addition of GO and PEG. The water permeance of the synthesized membranes reached 37.81 L m-2 h-1 bar-1. It is concluded that the structure and porosity, as well as the rejection of contaminants, were directly influenced by the incorporation of materials added to the membranes. The charge of GO contributed to structural and mechanical improvements of the membranes, reaching rejections of up to 80.61% of caffeine, 66.03% of diclofenac sodium, and 87.33% of amoxicillin with the membrane containing 1.5% of GO, being thus, it is considered promising for applications in water contaminated by emerging contaminants. The study brings real contributions to the area of membranes by developing an improved material, especially as it presents a high rejection of emerging contaminants that are still little studied.