Polysulfone Mixed Matrix Membranes Research Articles

Investigating the effect of ZIF-8@PEI filler and its comparison with ZIF-8 in mixed matrix membranes for CO2/CH4 separation with the help of DFT study

In this study, Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) and modified ZIF-8 (ZIF-8@PEI)with polyethyleneimine (PEI) were used as dispersed particles inside the polysulfone (PSF) matrix to separate CO2 and CH4. The distributions of dispersed particles in mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were analysed with the help of Fourier transfer infrared radiation, Thermal gravimetric analysis, Scanning electronic microscope and X-ray diffraction. The mixed matrix membranes investigated the permeability and selectivity of pure gas (CO2) and mixed gas (CO2/CH4). It was highest at 5 wt% ZIF-8@PEI blended into the PSF matrix. In case of pure gas studies, we investigated the CO2 permeability (18.10 Barrer) and CO2/CH4 selectivity (23.91) as compared to ZIF-8/PSF MMM (10.36 Barrer, 5.81); and in case of mixed gas studies, the CO2 permeability (17.11 Barrer) and CO2/CH4selectivity (21.28) as compared to ZIF-8/PSF MMM (7.86 Barrer, 4.21).Using DFT studies, the interaction energies of the ZIF-8@PEI material with CO2 and CH4 gas molecules werefound to be -74.39 kJ/mol and -23.25 kJ/mol, respectively. It was more toward the ZIF-8@PEI-CO2geometry complex.From the observation, the experimentalgas permeation results and DFT studiesinvestigated that ZIF-8@PEI filler can be a good candidate for applying CO2 capture.

Effect of ZIF-78 metal-organic framework crystal morphology and defect in resulting polysulfone mixed matrix membranes

BackgroundMixed matrix membranes (MMMs) provide a new possibility for membranes to exceed the tradeoff between permeability and selectivity found in pure polymeric membranes. Factors that enhance gas separation performance in MMMs include filler morphology and aspect ratio. MethodsHigh aspect ratio microporous ZIF-78, a metal-organic framework (MOF) demonstrated in literature to have one of the highest carbon dioxide uptake capacities, was successfully synthesized using a solvothermal method. These particles were incorporated into MMMs in non-defective and systematically defective forms by using two common solvents – chloroform and DMF. Detailed characterization of the various membranes was performed using BET, XRD, SEM, EDS, DSC, TGA, FTIR, and a custom-built gas permeability measurement apparatus. Significant findingsIntroduction of crystals with no apparent defect results in a more tortuous pathway for permeating gas molecules, demonstrated by nitrogen permeation results. Conversely, for carbon dioxide, strong dipole-quadrupole interaction with ZIF-78 creates excellent permeation pathways through the crystal themselves. The defective system possesses more inter-filler free volume which allow all gas components to permeate more easily, in addition to the original mechanism. The gas separation performance of the resulting MMMs in this work displayed a 140 % improvement of CO2 permeability and 129 % improvement of CO2/N2 ideal selectivity over pure polysulfone membranes. This work shows the potential of using deliberately designed fillers to increase performance via special pathways for gas molecules.

Utilizing Covalent Triazine Framework (CT-1) Loading for CT-1/Polysulfone Mixed Matrix Membrane for CO2

Utilizing Covalent Triazine Framework (CT-1) Loading for CT-1/Polysulfone Mixed Matrix Membrane for CO2

Effect of Thermally Reduced Graphene on the Characteristics and Performance of Polysulfone Mixed Matrix Ultrafiltration Membranes

Ultrafiltration (UF) polymeric membranes are widely used in water treatment and support desalination and gas separation membranes. In this article, we enhance the performance of Polysulfone (PSF) mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) by dispersing different concentrations of thermally reduced graphene (TRG) nanofillers. The UF PSF-TRG MMMs were fabricated via the phase inversion process, and the impact of TRG loading on the characteristics of the membrane, including hydrophilicity, porosity, roughness, and morphology, were analyzed using a contact angle measurement, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic mechanical analysis. Incorporating TRG into the PSF matrix led to favorable effects in the instantaneous de-mixing during phase inversion, increasing the porosity and hydrophilicity of MMMs and improving the mechanical properties of the membranes. Moreover, membrane performance was examined to remove dispersed oil from oil–water emulsion and support air-dehumidification membranes. MMM performance in terms of flux and oil rejection was superior to the control PSF membrane. Incorporating 0.25% TRG into PSF resulted in a 70% water flux increase and higher oil rejection compared to the control PSF membrane. As a support for air-dehumidification membranes, the MMM also demonstrated enhanced humidity reduction and an over 20% increase in water vapor permeance over the control PSF membrane. These results indicate that the PSF-TRG MMMs are an excellent candidate for reliable oil–water separation and as a support for air-dehumidification membranes.

Efficiency of Fabricated Adsorptive Polysulfone Mixed Matrix Membrane for Acetic Acid Separation.

The ultrafiltration mixed matrix membrane (UF MMMs) process represents an applicable approach for the removal of diluted acetic acid at low concentrations, owing to the low pressures applied. The addition of efficient additives represents an approach to further improve membrane porosity and, subsequently, enhance acetic acid removal. This work demonstrates the incorporation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as additives into polysulfone (PSf) polymer via the non-solvent-induced phase-inversion (NIPS) method to improve the performance of PSf MMMs performance. Eight PSf MMMs samples designated as M0 to M7, each with independent formulations, were prepared and investigated for their respective density, porosity, and degree of AA retention. Morphology analysis through scanning electron microscopy elucidated sample M7 (PSf/TiO2/PEG 6000) to have the highest density and porosity among all samples with concomitant highest AA retention at approximately 92.2%. The application of the concentration polarization method further supported this finding by the higher concentration of AA solute present on the surface of the membrane compared to that of AA feed for sample M7. Overall, this study successfully demonstrates the significance of TiO2 and PEG as high MW additives in improving PSf MMM performance.

Investigating the effect of zirconium‐based and titanium‐based metal–organic frameworks nanoparticles on the performance of polysulfone hollow fiber mixed matrix membrane for dialysis application

AbstractThis study aims to investigate polysulfone (PSF) mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) properties containing zirconium‐based and titanium‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). for hemodialysis application. The nanoparticles were synthesized, and the membranes were produced by the phase inversion method. Membrane characterization conducted by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), field emission Scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM), energy‐dispersive x‐ray analysis (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirmed the presence of MOF nanoparticles. Also, the evaluation of the specific surface area of nanoparticles was done by BET. The water contact angle reduced from 64.4° to 51.2°, indicating the hydrophilicity improvement, enhancing the pure water flux from 46.8 L/m2h for the pristine membrane to 76.7 L/m2h for the pristine membrane M4. The total fouling resistance decreased from 30% to 21%, and the bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption of modified membranes was lower than that of the pristine membrane. Urea and creatinine were cleared significantly for modified ones, up to 82.6% and 72.1%, respectively, and all membranes showed BSA retention of more than 93%. A comparison between MMMs that contained UIO‐66‐NH2 and MIL‐125‐NH2 showed that the former had a better effect on the performance. M4 had better results, indicating high water flux, the lowest fouling resistance, high porosity, lower BSA adsorption, proper clearance for urea and creatinine, and 94.2% BSA retention.

Mixed matrix membranes incorporated with zeolite AlPO-18 for CO2/CH4 separation

Mixed Matrix Membranes (MMMs) have garnered a lot of interest in carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) gas separation due to their advantages over pure polymeric membranes. In the present work, various Aluminophosphate-18 (AlPO-18) loadings was incorporated into Polysulfone (PSf) matrix to fabricate MMMs for CO2 gas permeation and separation. The MMMs were subjected to characterization including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) to study the spectroscopic, crystallographic and morphological characteristics of the developed membranes. CO2 and CH4 gas permeation were conducted to evaluate the effect of different AlPO-18 loading on the gas permeation and separation performance of the membrane. FTIR and XRD analysis proved the incorporation of zeolite AlPO-18 particles on the polymeric matrix. Notable improvements in gas permeation and separation were obtained for MMMs incorporated with 1 wt% AlPO-18 (1AlPO-18/PSf MMMs), with the ideal selectivity increasing by 22% in comparison to the pristine PSf membrane.

Fabrication of polysulfone mixed matrix membrane for wastewater treatment.

Recent development in separation technologies has envisioned a green and sustainable future that encouraged energy preservation and waste minimization. The concept of a clean future emphasizes on retrieval and reutilization of valuable products from waste streams to improve the water quality. Membrane-based separations are currently explored as an auspicious substitution over traditional separation processes. The present study is designed to purify water using aluminum and gallium mixed matrix membranes from toxic metals (Lead and Mercury) and dyes (Rhodamine B, and Reactive Blue-4). Facile protocol i.e., immersion precipitation phase inversion method was used for the fabrication of mixed matrix membrane. The aluminium and gallium hybrids act as a filler and create heterogeneity and hydrophilicity within the membrane, affirming better water permeability and mechanical strength. The performance of fabricated mixed matrix membranes is evaluated using a lab-based dead-end membrane filtration unit. The result showed 30-71% rejection of Mercury, 24-65% rejection of Lead, 12-66% rejection of Reactive Blue-4, and 15-80% rejection of Rhodamine B.

High–Selective Separation Performance of CO2 from CH4 by Interfacial Engineering of Ultra-low-dose Bimetallic Pyrazine-MOF based Mixed Matrix Membranes

The CO2 capturing is much more important not only in fuel upgrading but also for controlling global warming issues. Although much Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) exhibited great potential, the interfacial fine-tuning of inorganic MOF and organic membrane matrix was still a big obstacle. Herein, a novel bimetallic Pyrazine-functionalized MOF based polysulfone (PSf) mixed matrix membrane was prepared with adaptive interfaces via the interfacial plasticizer polyethylene glycol (PEG). The filler MOF greatly enhanced the CO2 capturing ability of pure PSf and PSf/PEG blend membranes. Structural characterizations revealed defect-free membranes. The mechanical test implied that by adding MOF in PSf, brittleness appeared and strength decreased from 2.84 to 2.26 MPa, but this strength increased up to 4.11 MPa by adding PEG. The interfacial-controlled PSf/PEG/Pyrazine-MOF membranes showed the highest CO2 permeability and solubility without loss of selectivity compared to regular MOF blended MMMs or PSf/PEG blend membranes. The permeability of CO2 significantly increased from 6.82 Barrer (for pure PSf membrane) to 17.13 Barrer (for PSf/PEG/Pyrazine-MOF membrane only adding 0.2% ultra-low-dose Pyrazine-MOF with 2% PEG). The study revealed a robust and efficient strategy to elevate gas separation performances of MMMs via the interfacial engineering.

Comprehensive Analysis of Spinel-Type Mixed Metal Oxide-Functionalized Polysulfone Membranes toward Fouling Resistance and Dye and Natural Organic Matter Removal.

Nanostructured polymeric membranes are of great importance in enhancing the antifouling properties during water filtration. Nanomaterials with tunable size, morphology and composition, surface modification, and increased functionality provide considerable opportunities for effective wastewater treatment. Thus, in this work, an attempt has been made to use spinel-structured MnCo2O4 as a nanofiller in the fabrication of nanostructured polysulfone (PSF) mixed matrix membranes and is investigated in terms of morphology, hydrophilicity, permeability, protein and natural organic matter separation, dye removal, and, finally, antifouling properties. The MnCo2O4 nanomaterials are synthesized and characterized via X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy and are loaded into a membrane matrix with varied concentrations (0 to 1.5 wt %). PSF nanocomposite membranes are prepared via a nonsolvent-induced phase-separation process. The results show an enhancement in hydrophilicity, porosity, and permeability with respect to the modified nanocomposite membranes because of oxygen-rich species in the membrane matrix, which increases affinity toward water. It was also found that the modified membranes display remarkably greater pure water flux (PWF) (220 L/m2 h), higher Congo red rejection coefficient (99.86%), higher humic acid removal (99.81%), higher fouling resistance, and a significant flux recovery ratio (FRR) (88%) when tested with bovine serum albumin protein when compared to a bare PSF membrane (30 L/m2 h PWF and 35% FRR). This is because the addition of MnCo2O4 nanoparticles into the polymeric casting solution yielded tighter PSF membranes with a denser skin layer and greater selectivity. Thus, the enhanced permeability, greater rejection coefficient, and antifouling properties show the promising potential of the fabricated PSF-spinel nanostructured membrane to be utilized in membrane technology for wastewater treatment.

Different metal-doped ZnS quantum dots photocatalysts for enhancing the permeability and antifouling performances of polysulfone membranes with and without UV irradiation

In this study, the effect of three different transition metal ion dopants (Mn2+, Fe2+, and Co2+) on the characteristics of zinc sulfide (ZnS) quantum dots (QDs) was investigated and the obtained QDs photocatalysts were applied for the modification of polysulfone (PSf) mixed matrix membranes to reduce membrane fouling. The synthesized QDs and fabricated membranes were fully identified with SEM, TEM, AFM, FTIR analyses, and also underwent porosity and contact angle tests. Flux recovery ratios (FRR) significantly increased from 69.8% (bare) to 85.0% (1% Fe-doped ZnS QDs) after modification of membranes with metal-doped QDs. The contact angles of the prepared membranes decreased with doping of dissimilar metals, therefore hydrophilicity increased, and reversible/non-reversible blockages were improved. Besides, the use of UV irradiation during the washing of the membranes increased the FRR of the photocatalytic activated membranes to 91.2%. Compared to the bare PSf membrane in dye solution filtration, 1% Fe-doped ZnS QDs membrane yielded twice as much flux and 15% higher FRR results. Therefore, the results proved that metal-doped QDs can be used in the modification of PSf membranes with high efficiency.

Fabrication and performance of the ammonium molybdophosphate/polysulfone mixed matrix membranes for rubidium adsorption in aqueous solution

AbstractThe separation of the rare and precious metal rubidium is still a challenge to hydrometallurgy and material science. A novel ammonium molybdophosphate (AMP)/polysulfone (PSf) mixed matrix membrane for rubidium adsorption and separation was prepared successfully by NIPs method via immobilizing AMP into the PSf porous membrane. FTIR, XRD, SEM tests indicate that AMP is embedded into the PSf matrix, and its crystalline structure remains intact. WCA tests show that the membrane surfaces are more and more hydrophilicity with the AMP blending content increasing. The fluxes increase approximately linearly from 210.2 to 370.2 L m−2 h−1 with the AMP content while the bovine serum albu rejections decrease from 97.8% to 88.5%. The Rb+ adsorption capacities of the membranes studied as a function of contact time, pH, Rb+ concentration, temperature, presence of various interference ions, and the Rb+ capacity is up to 98.4 mg g−1 at the optimal adsorption conditions. The Rb+ adsorption on the AMP/PSf porous membrane complies with Langmuir adsorption isotherms and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Finally, the reusability in Rb+ adsorption of the AMP/PSf porous membrane is investigated, and the recovery rate can still be maintained above 95% after five adsorption–desorption recycles.

Preparation and Gas Separation Performance of Polysulfone Mixed Matrix Membrane

As an economical, environmentally friendly, and highly efficient separation technology, membrane separation is a popular research topic in the field of separation. Organic polymer materials have attracted considerable attention in membrane separation because of their controllable preparation processes, simple modification method, and high toughness. Taking polysulfone (PSF) as the substrate of gas separation membrane, we prepared the mixed matrix membrane jointly by using the solution casting method and by adding graphene oxide (GO) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). On this basis, the permeability of the membrane for CO2 and N2 and the permeability coefficient of the mixed gas were studied. With the addition of CNTs and GO, the permeability of gas was significantly improved. At 0.2 MPa, permeability of CO2 increased from 553 Barrer to 975 Barrer, and permeability of N2 increased from 536 Barrer to 745 Barrer. The max ideal separation coefficient of CO2 and N2 is 1.94 at 0.1 MPa. Increasing of the content of carbon nanotubes can significantly improve the permeability coefficient of CO2, while the change of inlet side pressure has a great impact on the permeability coefficient of N2. At 0.1 MPa, when the ratio of CNTs to GO was 5 : 1, the ideal permeability coefficient of CO2/N2 was 1.94, whereas the ideal permeability coefficient of PSF membrane was 1.46. The above results of PSF/GO/CNT mixed matrix membrane lay a theoretical foundation for industrial application.

Performance study of hydroxyapatite cow bone based polysulfone mixed matrix membrane: Effect of hydroxyapatite morphology

In this work, polysulfone (PSf)/hydroxyapatite (HAp) ultrafiltration mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were prepared for wastewater treatment by using phase inversion method. The effect of hydroxyapatite (HAp) dispersion on the PSf/PVP membrane surface were investigated. Characterizations were done to observe the distribution of HAp on the membrane surface by using X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The XRD analysis showed the crystallinity of the HAp derived from cow bone. The dispersion of HAp in polymer matrix is a promising materials that can change the structure of the PSf membrane.

The effect of unique structural flower-like TiO2 towards polysulfone mixed matrix membrane as efficient antifouling and antibacterial for humic acid removal

The effect of unique structural flower-like TiO2 towards polysulfone mixed matrix membrane as efficient antifouling and antibacterial for humic acid removal

Investigation of the silica pore size effect on the performance of polysulfone (PSf) mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for gas separation

Abstract MCM-41 and SBA-15 mesoporous silica materials with different pore sizes (3.08 nm for small pore size MCM-41 (P 1), 5.89 nm for medium pore size SBA-15 (P 2), and 7.81 nm for large pore size SBA-15 (P 3)) were synthesized by the hydrothermal method and then functionalized with 3-aminopropyltrietoxysilane by postsynthesis treatments. Next, polysulfone-mesoporous silica mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were prepared by the solution casting method. The obtained materials and MMMs were characterized by various techniques including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption-desorption, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method to examine the crystallinity, morphology, and particle size, pore volume, specific surface area, and pore size distribution, respectively. Finally, the gas permeation rates of prepared MMMs were measured in 8 bar and 25 °C and the effect of pore size of modified and unmodified mesoporous silica on the gas separation performance of these MMMs were investigated. The experimental results indicate that the carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) permeability and CO2/CH4 selectivity were increased with an enhancement in the particle pore size.

The CO2/CH4 Separation Potential of ZIF-8/Polysulfone Mixed Matrix Membranes at Elevated Particle Loading for Biogas Upgradation Process

Biogas is a renewable energy that has been explored widely in Indonesia to substitute non-renewable energy. However, the presence of certain gas, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), can decrease the calorific value and generate greenhouse gas. Hence, the separation of CO2 from methane (CH4) occurs as a crucial step to improve the utilization of biogas. The separation of CH4/CO2 can be conducted using a polymeric membrane that needs no chemical, hence considered as an environmentally friendly technique. However, the utilization of polymeric membrane in gas separation processes is hampered by the trade-off between gas throughput and selectivity. To solve this problem, the incorporation of inorganic particles, such as Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) particles, into the polymer matrix to improve the gas separation performance of the membrane has been conducted recently. In this research, ZIF-8 has been incorporated into Polysulfone matrix to form ZIF-8/Polysulfone-based membrane by simple blending and phase inversion techniques in flat sheet configuration. The pure gas permeation tests showed an increase in gas permeability (26 Barrer compared to 17 Barrer) after the inclusion of ZIF-8 particles with a slight decrease in CO2/CH4selectivity for particle loading more than 15wt. %. Therefore, the membrane with 15wt. % of particles showed the best performance in terms of gas selectivity. This result was due to the aggregation of ZIF-8 particles at particle loading higher than 15wt. %. Chemical analysis indicated an interaction between filler and polymer, and there were increases in the degree of crystallinity after the incorporation of ZIF-8.

Fabrication and characterization of hydroxyapatite based cow bone polysulfone mixed matrix membrane

In this work, polysulfone (PSf)/hydroxyapatite (HAp) mixed matrix membrane were prepared were prepared by using phase inversion technique for ultrafiltration application. The prepared PSf/HAp mixed matrix membrane were characterized in term of morphological and physicochemical properties by using SEM, contact angle measurement, membrane tensile measurement and membrane porosity. Meanwhile the performance of PSf/HAp mixed matrix membrane was conducted in term of pure water flux (PWF) by using permeability machine. The surface morphology of the MMMs showed the increasing pore number and size as the concentration of HAp increase. The increment weight ratio of the HAp in PSf membrane enhanced the membrane water flux from 113.44 L/m2.h.bar to 228.13 L/m2.h.bar due to increased porosity of the membrane. Meanwhile, the strength of the membrane was increased from 3.82 MPa to 5.2 MPa as HAp increases from 0 to 1.0 wt.% and decreased to 2.49 MPa at 1.5 wt.% HAp. This study suggested that HAp is a promising candidate as additive that can improve PSf membrane performance.

Preparation and characterization of a novel polysulfone (PS) mixed matrix membrane modified with a SAPO-34 nanofiller for CO2/CH4 gaseous mixture separation

Blended matrix polymer membranes have attracted attention today due to their high efficiency in gas separation. In this study, PS / SAPO 34 polymer membranes were synthesized and evaluated by phase separation method. ynthesized PS/SAPO-34 mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were characterized via FESEM, TGA and DSC analyses. Various parameters such as air gap distance, dope extrusion rate, and jet strech were examined. After that, the process of separation of CO2 and CH4 gases was investigated. The results showed that the addition of SAPO nanoparticles improved membrane performance. The highest selectivity was obtained at temperature 28 and pressure 0.5 bar. Permeation results manifested that the PS/SAPO-34 fabricated at optimum conditions has incredible worth from the prospective of industrial separations of CO2 from flue and natural gas.

Lignin separation from black liquor by mixed matrix polysulfone nanofiltration membrane filled with multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNT)/polysulfone (PSf) mixed matrix membranes (MMM) were prepared by the non-solvent induced phase inversion method and applied in the separation of lignin from black liquor (BL). Three different type of membranes were developed to minimise the fouling phenomenon, which is one of the major concerns regarding the application of polymeric membranes for BL fractionation. The effect of CNT on the filtration and morphological properties were investigated by analyzing pure water flux, porosity, mean pore size, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and water contact angle. These analyses indicated that with increasing the nanotubes content (0–0.5%) resulted in an increase of ≈ 3 times in the mean pores size, water flux (14.8–132.5 Lm−2 h−1 at 15 bar), porosity (74.4–79.7%) and reduction of surface roughness of the prepared membranes. The performance of these membranes was analyzed in terms of lignin rejection and fouling resistance using standard lignoboost lignin solution at various pressures and compared with a commercial polyethersulfone membrane. It was observed that reduction in the permeate flux was lowest (~10% at 12 bar) in the 0.5% CNT-based membranes. However, in terms of lignin rejection, the highest (80–98%) and lowest (52–76%) values were achieved with the simple PSf membrane (0% CNT) and 0.1% CNT membrane, respectively. Further, fouling studies showed that through chemical cleaning, the initial flux was completely recovered for CNT-based membranes without disturbing their flux and rejection behavior. Among the 3 types of prepared membranes, 0.5% CNT membranes showed a good balance between permeate flux and lignin rejection. The application of these membranes for nanofiltration of industrial BL, pre-treated by ultrafiltration, allowed to reach 82–84% rejection for lignin and 37–42% for hemicelluloses. This suggests a significant degree of selective separation of lignin from BL using CNT-based MMM.