Archives of Environmental Protection

Abstract

Polymer mixed-matrix nanocomposite membranes were prepared by a wet-phase inversion method and used in ultrafiltration processes to treat wastewater treatment plant effluent spiked with organic micropollutants. The effects of halloysite (Hal), TiO 2 , and functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT-COOH) nanofillers on the treatment efficiency, permeability loss, and fouling behavior of polyethersulfone (PES) membranes were investigated and compared with those of a pristine PES membrane. The nanocomposite membranes exhibited lower porosity and stronger negative surface charge because of the added hydrophilic nanofillers. The PES-Hal membrane achieved the optimal balance of permeability and micropollutant removal owing to enhanced pollutant adsorption on the membrane surface and the creation of an easily removable cake layer (i.e., reversible fouling). The PES-SWCNT-COOH membrane demonstrated the highest treatment efficiency, but also the high permeability loss. In contrast, PES-TiO 2 exhibited excellent antifouling properties, but poorer treatment capabilities.