Abstract
Titanate nanotubes (TNTs) are prepared by a hydrothermal method, and then modified with poly(aspartic acid). Subsequently, they are incorporated into chitosan (CS) to fabricate the modified TNTs (MTNTs)-embedded chitosan hybrid membranes supported by the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membrane (CS-MTNTs/PAN) and utilized for isopropanol dehydration. The physicochemical properties including physical morphology, chemical interaction, hydrophilicity, crystallinity, thermal stability and free-volume of CS-MTNTs hybrid separation layers are characterized by SEM, FTIR, water contact angle, XRD, TG and PALS analysis, respectively. It is found that the modification of poly(aspartic acid) can apparently improve the interfacial morphology and compatibility between TNTs and membrane matrix. Moreover, the superior isopropanol dehydration performance of CS-MTNTs/PAN composite membranes compared to pure CS membrane is verified via pervaporation experiments, which can be ascribed to the strong hydrophilicity and tubular structure of TNTs. For 90 wt% aqueous solution of isopropanol, the CS-MTNTs/PAN composite membrane containing 6 wt% MTNTs acquires the highest permeation flux and separation factor of 1498 g/m 2 h and 6237 at 80 °C, respectively. These results indicate the promising application potential of nanotube-filled membranes in the pervaporative dehydration of alcohols.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
