Abstract
We describe the relationship between the morphology and rejection performance by the mixed-matrix membranes as a unique class of high water flux nanofiltration membranes comprising polyethersulfone/functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PES/f-MWCNTs). These membranes contain aligned MWCNTs uniformly distributed inside a PES matrix prepared using conventional phase-inversion technique. The small-angle neutron scattering analysis confirmed the high porosity and uniformity among of the pores of CNTs in the membranes. The frictionless water transport from vertically oriented f-MWCNTs were verified to facilitate remarkable enhancement in the water flux through the membranes. The water transportation speed, as well as rejection, of selected heavy metals increases nearly about 3 times and 2–3.5 times, respectively, than the pristine PES membrane, depending upon CNTs loading. Low working pressure and good retention properties make these membranes to be an ideal for the application of highly efficient filtration units.
Highlights
There has been immense activity in the use of polymeric as well as ceramic membranes in the field of water treatment, but one of the disadvantages of these membranes are fouling, chemical and thermal less stability, low permeability and selectivity, and lower rejection of specific contaminants
We consider that occurrence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) perpendicular to the polyethersulfone matrix contribute to the enhancement in flux that will be discussed in detail
This study reports the mixed-matrix membranes with higher flux which is due to the better interaction of the functionalized nanotubes and polymer matrix as well as frictionless transport of water through nanotube channels
Summary
There has been immense activity in the use of polymeric as well as ceramic membranes in the field of water treatment, but one of the disadvantages of these membranes are fouling, chemical and thermal less stability, low permeability and selectivity, and lower rejection of specific contaminants. The minimum weight percentage of nanotubes used there was 0.1%, and the results showed very high pure water flux though no detailed morphological studies were undertaken. Pure water flux and heavy metal removal parameters of polyethersulfone/functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube-incorporated mixed-matrix membranes were compared with our earlier studies.
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