Enhanced water flux in vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays and polyethersulfone composite membranes

In this work, a novel approach is used to synthesize an iron oxide doped carbon nanotube (CNT) membrane, with the goal of fully utilizing the unique properties of CNTs. No binder is used for the synthesis of the membrane; instead, iron oxide particles serve as a binding agent for holding the CNTs together after sintering at high temperature. The produced membrane exhibited a high water flux and strong fouling resistance. In the first step, CNTs were impregnated with various loadings of iron oxide (1, 10, 20, 30 and 50%) via wet chemistry techniques. Impregnated CNTs were then compacted at 200 MPa and sintered at 1350 °C for 5 h to form a compact disk. The membranes were analysed by measuring their porosity, contact angle, diametrical compression test and water flux. The flux of pure water was observed to increase with an increase in iron oxide content. The permeate flux and rejection rate of sodium alginate (SA) were determined to predict the antifouling behavior of the membrane. A maximum removal of 90 and 88% of SA was achieved for membranes with a 10 and 1% iron oxide content, respectively, after 3 h. A minor decline in the permeate flux was observed for all membranes after 4 h of operation.

show abstract

“…The flux through CNTs has been estimated to be 3-4 orders of magnitude faster than predicted by the Hagen-Poiseuille equation [22][23][24].…”

Section: Accepted Manuscriptmentioning

confidence: 94%

“…However, in many wastewater applications, the current polymeric membranes are less fouling-resistant and chemically stable than ceramic membranes [4]. [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36]. CNTs can also be used as direct filters and effective fillers to improve the membrane performance.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fabrication and antifouling behaviour of a carbon nanotube membrane

et al. 2016

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…However, functionalized CNT membranes exhibited lower water ux than an unfunctionalized CNT membrane. Li et al 121 synthesized vertically aligned MWCNT membranes in a PES matrix and compared them to mixed-matrix MWCNT/PES and bare PES membranes. The vertically aligned MWCNT membrane has 3 times and more than 10 times water ux than the MWCNT/PES and PES membranes, respectively.…”

Section: Preparation Of Cnt Membranementioning

confidence: 99%

Functionalized carbon nanotube (CNT) membrane: progress and challenges

et al. 2017

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…CNTs have also been employed for the synthesis of novel membranes with extraordinary properties for water purification [26][27][28]. The higher transport of molecules is possible through the smooth and friction-less graphitic walls of CNTs [27][28].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%