Polymer Nanocomposite Membranes Research Articles

MoS2 nanosheet assisted poly vinyl alcohol cross-linked with carboxylated acryl-amido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid in medium temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell application

ABSTRACT Initially, the carboxylated-acryl amido propane sulfonic acid (C-AMPSA) was synthesized through the thiol-ene reaction using 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid and 3-mercapto propane sulfonic acid monomers. The C-AMPSA was cross-linked with polyvinyl alcohol to create a non-perfluorinated membranes were of these acid group-containing monomers. Using a cross-linking technique, a poly vinyl alcohol cross-linked C-AMPSA (PVA-C-AMPSA) polymer was prepared. Following that, the MoS2 nanosheets (NSs) were synthesized through the one-pot hydrothermal method, and their phase purity, functionality, and morphology were evaluated by p-XRD, FT-IR, and FE-SEM analyses. These nanosheets were then incorporated into PVA-C-AMPSA polymer nanocomposite membranes at various concentrations (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 5% by weight). In addition, the physicochemical properties of bare and MoS2 nanosheets incorporated PVA-C-AMPSA polymer nanocomposite membranes were assessed, including water uptake, swelling ratio, and ion-exchange capacity. Remarkably, the membrane with 5% of MoS2 NSs in PVA-C-AMPSA displayed an ion-exchange capacity of 1.13 mmol g−1 and a proton conduction of 1.8 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 110°C. The Arrhenius plot indicated that the proton transport was involved in both Grotthuss and vehicular mechanisms. In the fuel cell testing, the PVA-C-AMPSA polymer nanocomposite membrane containing MoS2 NSs demonstrated superior performance, achieving a peak power density (PD) exceeding 0.7 W cm−2 and an open-circuit voltage (OCV) surpassing 0.93 V at 110°C. In contrast, the pure PVA-C-AMPSA membrane exhibited a peak PD of over 0.4 W cm−2 and an OCV of around 0.6 V at the same temperature. Additionally, the 5% of MoS2 NSs incorporated PVA-C-AMPSA polymer nanocomposite membrane exhibited outstanding oxidative stability with 87.7% of degradation when exhibited to a Fenton reagent at 80°C for 8 h.

Fabrication and performance evaluation of polycarbonate/polyvinyl alcohol–titanium dioxide thin‐film nanocomposite membranes for water treatment

AbstractIn recent years, there has been growing interest in using polymer nanocomposite membranes as a more advanced method for removing pollutants from water and treating wastewater for various purposes. In this study, thin‐film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes of polycarbonate/polyvinyl alcohol–titanium dioxide thin‐film (PC/PVA–TiO2) were fabricated by dip‐coating a PC substrate in a PVA/TiO2 solution. Various methods, including attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and water contact angle were utilized to assess the structural characteristics of the produced membranes. The PC/PVA thin‐film composite (TFC) and PC/PVA–TiO2 TFN membranes were then examined in a submerged membrane system to evaluate their effectiveness in filtering humic acid (HA) under various vacuum transmembrane pressure (0.3 and 0.6 bar) condition. The FTIR‐ATR results confirmed the formation of the active layer of PVA/TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs). It was observed that adding 1 wt.% of TiO2 NPs to the active layer of PVA/TiO2 significantly enhanced the water contact angle from 77.5° for PC support to 55.3° for PC/PVA–TiO2 (0.1) TFN membranes. Furthermore, the FE‐SEM results confirmed the formation of an active layer of PVA/TiO2 with a thickness of 237.87 nm. The pure water flux increased from 101.64 L/m2h for the PC/PVA TFC membrane to 144.02 L/m2h and 199.09 L/m2h for the PC/PVA–TiO2 (0.05) and PC/PVA–TiO2 (0.1) TFN membranes, respectively. Also, the results revealed that at lower transmembrane pressure, all membranes showed higher value in HA removal as compared to when higher transmembrane pressure was used.

Advanced hybrid membrane constructed with silicon carbide, graphene oxide and functionalized silicon carbide for vanadium permeability, proton conductivity to battery and fuel cell applications

The energy sector is currently exploring eco-friendly energy conversion and storage devices, as an alternative to traditional fossil fuel devices. A unique hybrid proton exchange membrane is developed for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) application. Polymeric nanocomposite membranes are effective for the selective and controlled transportation of ions between the electrodes. This study utilizes various modifiers such as GO, SGO, SPES, and SiC, to modify the PES polymer matrix. Analysis of the functional groups confirmed the presence of modifiers and hydroxyl groups on the nanocomposite membrane. Additionally, the use of Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) validated the existence of honeycomb and sponge-like voids as well as the surface morphology on the membrane surface. The incorporation of modifiers into the nanocomposite membrane matrix serves as a reliable barrier for the transport of vanadium ions, leading to a significant reduction in vanadium ion permeability across the membrane. The mechanical properties and ion exchange capacity of nanocomposite membranes are enhanced, while the permeability of VO2+ decreases compared to that of the bare PES membrane. The enhancement of proton conductivity is further achieved with the utilization of modifiers in PES polymer. As compared to bare PES membrane, PES/SPES + SGO (5%) exhibits less than half the permeability for vanadium, and PES/SiC shows 44.03 % elongation means twice of bare PES membrane.

Chromium adsorption efficiency by functional polymeric nanocomposite membrane: A case study for environmental sustainability

AbstractWe have designed and developed nonwoven fabric supported electrospun polymeric nanofibrous‐based membrane for robust filtration system for ecological sustainability of clean water. The fabricated nanocomposites filters were tested for the removal of chromium (VI) toxic heavy metal ions from contaminated feedstock water. The interpenetrating network like morphological structure obtained from pure and composite nanofibers‐based membranes have been thoroughly investigated to understand the structure–properties of highly entangled system. It has been found that incorporating functional moieties onto nanocomposite membranes significantly impacts the absorption efficiency of toxic metals. The pore sizes of the hierarchical geometries have been varied to insight into its impact on flow rate and efficiency of filtration. The strategy of interfacing the multifunctional composite polyethylene terephthalate nanofiber membrane supported on nonwoven fabric to generate heterostructures has found to provide mechanically stable platform for efficient metal ion removal. It has been found by BET surface area analysis that the nanofibers reinforced with functional nanomaterials has controlled pore geometry compared to pristine PET electrospun nanofibers which lead to higher absorption of metal ions. We have highlighted the importance of mechanically stable electrospun polymeric nanofibers membrane‐based mitigation strategies to meet the huge demand of potable water for long‐term environmental sustainability.Highlights Mechanically toughened freestanding nanofibers mat supported on nonwoven fabric. Functionally upgrade nanofibers by incorporation of carbon based nanofillers. Controlled porosity by morphological optimization for removal of contaminates.

Halloysite‐Based Polymeric Nanocomposite Membranes With Enhanced Water Permeation and Antifouling Efficiency for Saline Water Purification

Halloysite‐Based Polymeric Nanocomposite Membranes With Enhanced Water Permeation and Antifouling Efficiency for Saline Water Purification

Polymer Nanocomposites: A Comprehensive Review on Their Applications in Membranes and Adsorbents for Water Treatment and Gas Separation

Environmental challenges such as water scarcity and air pollution have become critical global issues, prompting the need for innovative solutions. Polymer nanocomposites have emerged as promising materials for addressing these challenges due to their unique properties and functionalities. This comprehensive review explores the effective utilization of polymer nanocomposites in membranes and adsorbents for water treatment and gas separation. The synthesis methods, properties, and mechanisms of polymer nanocomposite membranes are discussed, along with their applications in wastewater treatment and gas separation. Furthermore, the use of polymer nanocomposites as adsorbents for removing toxic metals ions and dyes from water is examined, including the underlying adsorption mechanisms. Additionally, the review highlights recent patents in the field, emphasizing the innovative applications of polymer nanocomposite membranes for environmental purposes

Correction: NaCMC-decorated ZnO nanocomposite polymer membranes for the separation of reactive dyes from textile water

Correction for ‘NaCMC-decorated ZnO nanocomposite polymer membranes for the separation of reactive dyes from textile water’ by R. Robin et al., New J. Chem., 2023, 47, 20517–20526, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NJ03783E.

The sources, leaching, remediation, and environmental concerns associated with groundwater salinity.

Water resources management and sustainable development depend on the quality of groundwater as a major source of fresh water. As a result of rising water demand in emerging nations and overexploitation, groundwater quality has declined globally in many aquifers. One of the most significant elements that lower the quality of the groundwater is salinization. This review is to provide an overview of various materials that are used in the design and development of innovative chitosan-based nanocomposite polymeric membranes for desalination. Biodegradable, non-toxic, affordable, and easily available, with film-forming ability and poly-functionality, chitosan is an ideal material for a sustainable future. Membrane preparation for desalination using chitosan helps to provide antibacterial and antioxidant activities, great chelating capabilities, and strong adsorption capacity. In this research, we discuss a variety of concepts concerning the different sources of elevated salinity and available desalination methods. A comprehensive framework was also developed to understand the leaching and percolation of salt in groundwater, an essential component of managing risks and ensuring safety. Additionally, we explain the various remediation strategies for reducing groundwater's salt concentration and explore the best method for desalination specifically focused on chitosan.

Antifouling polymeric nanocomposite membrane based on interfacial polymerization of polyamide enhanced with green TiO2nanoparticles for water desalination

In the present investigation, the preparation and characterization of polyamide/TiO2as thin film nanocomposites (TFN) for brackish water desalination was investigated. TiO2nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by a green method using thyme plant extract as a reducing and capping agent. The TiO2NPs was successfully prepared in pure crystalline anatase phase with 15 nm size, and −33.1 mV zeta potential. The antimicrobial tests confirmed the antimicrobial activity of TiO2against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. In addition, TiO2NPs showed a good photocatalytic activity in degradation of methylene blue dye. TFN based on interfacial polymerization was enhanced by embedding 5% of the greenly synthesized TiO2NPs within the polyamide thin film active layer. The incorporation of TiO2NPs was confirmed by SEM, atomic force microscope (AFM), surface wettability, and FTIR. Membranes performance was investigated based on flux, salt rejection and fouling resistance. The antifouling was examined using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as protein fouling by dead-end cell filtration system at 2 bar. The results showed the TFN increased in water flux by 40.9% and a slight decrease in NaCl rejection (6.3%) was observed, with enhancement in antifouling properties. The flux recovery rate of the modified TFN membranes after fouling with BSA solution was enhanced by 21.5% (from 61.7% for TFC to 83.2% for TFN). Also, they demonstrated remarkable anti-biofouling behavior against both bacterial strains.

Enhanced performance of nanocomposite membrane developed on sulfonated poly (1, 4-phenylene ether-ether-sulfone) with zeolite imidazole frameworks for fuel cell application

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) have received a lot of interest and use metal–organic frameworks (MOF)/polymer nanocomposite membranes. Zeolite imidazole framework-90 (ZIF-90) was employed as an addition in the sulfonated poly (1, 4-phenylene ether-ether-sulfone) (SPEES) matrix in order to investigate the proton conductivity in a novel nanocomposite membrane made of SPEES/ ZIF. The high porosity, free surface, and presence of the aldehyde group in the ZIF-90 nanostructure have a substantial impact on enhancing the mechanical, chemical, thermal, and proton conductivity capabilities of the SPEES/ZIF-90 nanocomposite membranes. The results indicate that the utilization of SPEES/ZIF-90 nanocomposite membranes with 3wt% ZIF-90 resulted in enhanced proton conductivity of up to 160 mS/cm at 90 °C and 98% relative humidity (RH). This is a significant improvement compared to the SPEES membrane which exhibited a proton conductivity of 55 mS/cm under the same conditions, indicating a 1.9-fold increase in performance. Furthermore, the SPEES/ZIF-90/3 membrane exhibited a remarkable 79% improvement in maximum power density, achieving a value of 0.52 W/cm2 at 0.5 V and 98% RH, which is 79% higher than that of the pristine SPEES membrane.

Functionalization and Surface Modification of Mesoporous Hydrophobic Membranes by Oligomers and Target Additives via Environmental Crazing

This work offers an ecologically friendly and facile approach for the modification of high-tonnage commercial polymers, including polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and preparation of nanocomposite polymeric membranes via incorporation of modifying oligomer hydrophilic additives, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and salicylic acid (SA). Structural modification is accomplished via the deformation of polymers in PEG, PPG, and water-ethanol solutions of PVA and SA when mesoporous membranes are loaded with oligomers and target additives. The content of target additives in nanocomposite membranes is controlled by tensile strain, and the level of loading can achieve 35-62 wt.% for PEG and PPG; the content of PVA and SA is controlled by their concentration in the feed solution. This approach allows for the simultaneous incorporation of several additives which are shown to preserve their functional performance in the polymeric membranes and their functionalization. The porosity, morphology, and mechanical characteristics of the prepared membranes were studied. The proposed approach allows an efficient and facile strategy for the surface modification of hydrophobic mesoporous membranes: depending on the nature and content of target additives, their water contact angle can be reduced to 30-65°. Water vapor permeability, gas selectivity, antibacterial, and functional properties of the nanocomposite polymeric membranes were described.

Effect of ZrO2 nanoparticles on phosphoric acid-doped poly (Ethylene imine)/Polyvinyl alcohol) membrane for medium-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell applications

A high-level research is currently focused on the construction of polymer nanocomposite membranes with high proton conductivity (PC), peak power density (PD), and open circuit voltage (OCV) for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) to substitute the commercial Nafion-211 membrane. The present study deals with the solvent-casting process for producing ZrO2 nanoparticles (1–7 wt %) dispersed on phosphoric acid (PA) doped polyethylene imine and polyvinyl alcohol (PA-PEI/PVA) polymer nanocomposites (PNCs). ZrO2 (5%) dispersed PA-PVA/PEI PNCs showed the highest ion-exchange capacity (IEC) of 2.94 mmol/g−1 at room temperature (RT), and PC of 4.34 10−2 S/cm−1 at 120 °C. Experiments on the PNCs were carried out at 120 °C to evaluate their performance and usability in medium-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (MT-PEMFCs). The results indicate a practical and effective route for the fabrication of a composite membrane that has a semi-interpenetration network structure with abundant active protonated groups, and has future prospects and widespread application in MT-PEMFCs.

Soft pneumatic actuator with an embedded flexible polymeric piezoelectric membrane for sensing bending deformation

Soft actuators have been used for various robotic applications, such as flexible soft muscles, actuators, grippers, and wearable devices. Soft actuators help handle delicate and fragile objects; moreover, they are used in medical rehabilitation devices to ensure safer human interaction. Soft actuators actuated by pneumatic pressure are the most utilized due to their compliant and straightforward operations. A soft pneumatic actuator (SPA) deforms when applying pneumatic pressure, where the deformation energy is generated. The present work uses a bending-type SPA to harness its bending energy based on the piezoelectric effect. The focus is on developing a novel SPA embedded with a piezoelectric membrane (SPA-P), which is the combination of a flexible conducting polymer nanocomposite (CPNC) membrane entrapped within the silicone rubber body of the SPA. The CPNC consists of a dielectric polyvinylidene fluoride matrix, conducting carbon nanofibers for charge transport, and ionic liquid for providing extra ions and flexibility using the solvent casting technique. The experimental study of SPA-P showed a significant voltage change when actuating with the pneumatic pressure, which can be utilized to control SPA by providing feedback voltage corresponding to the deformation during bending. Finally, the proposed SPA-P has been tested for the medical application of human finger rehabilitation.

Polymeric membranes customized with super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for effective separation of pentachlorophenol and proteins in aqueous solution

Fouling is one of the substantial problems faced by membrane filtration industries. Nanocomposite polymeric membranes are customized for improved fouling resistance to overcome this issue. In the present study, super paramagnetic iron oxide nano additives (SPIONs) are incorporated into a polymer mixture containing poly(ether-ether sulfone)/poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic acid) to prepare a unique nanocomposite polymeric ultrafiltration membrane. The presence of the nanoparticle in the synthesized nanocomposite membrane was analyzed by SEM, ATR-FTIR and XRD. The antifouling, rejection, and permeation properties of PEES/PMVEAMA/SPIONs hybrid membranes were analyzed using pollutant pentachlorophenol and protein molecules. The tailored polymeric membrane exhibited excellent porosity (81%), water content (46.8%), molecular weight cut off (20 kDa), and mean pore radius (4.1nm) by the addition of 1.5 wt% of iron oxide. The pure water flux of the PEES/PMVEAMA/SPIONs membrane (361.47 Lm−2h−1) was improved significantly when compared to the pristine membrane (349.2 Lm−2h−1). The increasing concentration of SPIONs augmented the permeation flux and exhibited excellent solute rejection of 289 Lm−2h−1 and 43%, respectively, for pentachlorophenol. The rejection percentage of protein molecules is in the order of bovine serum albumin (BSA)> egg albumin >pepsin>trypsin. The modified membranes exhibited a higher flux recovery ratio and reduced the irreversible fouling. Overall, the polymeric membrane modified with SPIONs provides a new vision to membrane industries to enhance the antifouling properties.

Graphene in Polymeric Nanocomposite Membranes—Current State and Progress

One important application of polymer/graphene nanocomposites is in membrane technology. In this context, promising polymer/graphene nanocomposites have been developed and applied in the production of high-performance membranes. This review basically highlights the designs, properties, and use of polymer/graphene nanocomposite membranes in the field of gas separation and purification. Various polymer matrices (polysulfone, poly(dimethylsiloxane), poly(methyl methacrylate), polyimide, etc.), have been reinforced with graphene to develop nanocomposite membranes. Various facile strategies, such as solution casting, phase separation, infiltration, self-assembly, etc., have been employed in the design of gas separation polymer/graphene nanocomposite membranes. The inclusion of graphene in polymeric membranes affects their morphology, physical properties, gas permeability, selectivity, and separation processes. Furthermore, the final membrane properties are affected by the nanofiller content, modification, dispersion, and processing conditions. Moreover, the development of polymer/graphene nanofibrous membranes has introduced novelty in the field of gas separation membranes. These high-performance membranes have the potential to overcome challenges arising from gas separation conditions. Hence, this overview provides up-to-date coverage of advances in polymer/graphene nanocomposite membranes, especially for gas separation applications. The separation processes of polymer/graphene nanocomposite membranes (in parting gases) are dependent upon variations in the structural design and processing techniques used. Current challenges and future opportunities related to polymer/graphene nanocomposite membranes are also discussed.

Recent progress in developing polymer nanocomposite membranes with ingenious structures for energy storage capacitors

Recent progress in developing polymer nanocomposite membranes with ingenious structures for energy storage capacitors

Fabrication of Nanoparticle‐Doped Polyvinyl Alcohol‐Cellulose Acetate Membrane and Characterization of the Surface Enhancement

AbstractIn the present study, nanocomposite polymeric membranes are fabricated using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cellulose acetate (CA) as polymers, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the solvent. To enhance the performance of the membrane, nanoparticles like TiO2, CaO, CdO, and ZrO are added to the polymeric solution and the doped polymeric solution is cast on a glass plate. Nine combinations of membranes are fabricated with two different concentrations (0.1% and 0.2%) of nanoparticles. The basic properties of the membranes such as density, porosity, viscosity, permeability, pure water flux, and water content are studied for the samples. Membrane pore structure and surface properties are identified and it is found that doping nanoparticles on the surface of membranes improve mechanical strength, stability, pore size, etc., allowing the membranes to perform better in extreme industrial‐level effluent treatment applications. High‐resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows the homogeneous dispersion of ZrO, TiO2, CaO, and CdO nanoparticles on the surface of the PVA‐CA membrane. The doping of nanoparticles on the PVA‐CA membrane results in improved mechanical strength and good chemical oxidation stability. In comparison, the PCD‐TiO2 sample shows high thermal stability and oxidation stability at high temperatures until 200°C, which has a high potential for treating industrial effluents.

Advanced Polymeric Nanocomposite Membranes for Water and Wastewater Treatment: A Comprehensive Review.

Nanomaterials have been extensively used in polymer nanocomposite membranes due to the inclusion of unique features that enhance water and wastewater treatment performance. Compared to the pristine membranes, the incorporation of nanomodifiers not only improves membrane performance (water permeability, salt rejection, contaminant removal, selectivity), but also the intrinsic properties (hydrophilicity, porosity, antifouling properties, antimicrobial properties, mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability) of these membranes. This review focuses on applications of different types of nanomaterials: zero-dimensional (metal/metal oxide nanoparticles), one-dimensional (carbon nanotubes), two-dimensional (graphene and associated structures), and three-dimensional (zeolites and associated frameworks) nanomaterials combined with polymers towards novel polymeric nanocomposites for water and wastewater treatment applications. This review will show that combinations of nanomaterials and polymers impart enhanced features into the pristine membrane; however, the underlying issues associated with the modification processes and environmental impact of these membranes are less obvious. This review also highlights the utility of computational methods toward understanding the structural and functional properties of the membranes. Here, we highlight the fabrication methods, advantages, challenges, environmental impact, and future scope of these advanced polymeric nanocomposite membrane based systems for water and wastewater treatment applications.

Reinforcing effects of fibrous and crystalline nanocelluloses on cellulose acetate membranes

An innovative approach to selectively separating molecules and ions has been developed using polymer nanocomposite membranes that consist of a continuous polymer phase and a nanofiller phase. To address the challenges associated with filtration, we have developed and compared a nanofibrous cellulose acetate (CA)-based membrane reinforced with cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Several parameters including the morphologies, chemical interactions, and mechanical properties of the membranes were investigated after they were synthesized using the electrospinning technique and after they were heat treated. The polymer solutions were composed of various weight percentages of CNCs, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxyl (TEMPO)-mediated oxidized CNFs (i.e., 0 wt% to 1 wt%), and 15 wt% of CA. Based on our study, the reinforcing properties of TOCNF nanofillers were superior to CNC nanofillers. Heat-treated 0.25TOCNF/CA composite nanofibrous membrane achieved maximum ultimate tensile strength and elongation at the breakpoint of 33.31 MPa and 1.8%, respectively. The process-structure-property relationships outlined in this study can facilitate the fabrication and application of electrospun nanocomposite membranes for the purification of water.

NaCMC-decorated ZnO nanocomposite polymer membranes for the separation of reactive dyes from textile water

Nanostructured ZnO/carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposite-embedded polymer membranes developed for the removal of reactive black 5 (RB5) dye from textile water.