Functional Hydrophilic Membrane for Oil–Water Separation Based on Modified Bio-Based Chitosan–Gelatin

Abstract

In this study, we fabricated a modified biomaterial based on chitosan and gelatin, which is an intrinsic hydrophilic membrane for oil–water separation to clean water contamination by oil. Modification of the membrane with a non-toxic natural crosslinker, genipin, significantly enhanced the stability of the biopolymer membrane in a water-based medium towards an eco-friendly environment. The effects of various compositions of genipin-crosslinked chitosan–gelatin membrane on the rheological properties, thermal stability, and morphological structure of the membrane were investigated using a dynamic rotational rheometer, thermogravimetry analysis, and chemical composition by attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy (ATR). Modified chitosan–gelatin membrane showed completely miscible blends, as determined by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and ATR. Morphological results showed membrane with establish microstructure to further experiment as filtration product. The membranes were successfully tested for their oil–water separation efficiencies. The membrane proved to be selective and effective in separating water from an oil–water mixture. The optimum results achieved a stable microporous structure of the membrane (microfiltration) and a separation efficiency of above 98%. The membrane showed a high permeation flux, generated as high as 698 and 420 L m−2 h−1 for cooking and crude oils, respectively. Owing to its outstanding recyclability and anti-fouling performance, the membrane can be washed away easily, ensuring the reusability of the prepared membrane.

Modification of chitosan with cellulose and gelatin for the removal of Cu2+, Fe2+, and Pb2+ from oily wastewater

“…This happened only if the temperature in the oven was set around room temperature. [ 25,26 ] Figure 1A shows the membrane prepared only with chitosan (A). The membrane in (B) was the combination of chitosan–cellulose; the one in (C) was that of chitosan–gelatin; and the one in (D) was the one with chitosan–cellulose–gelatin.…”

Amphiphilic cellulose acetate membrane incorporated with MoS2 nanospheres for oil in water separation

“…This is due to the weak interaction between hydrophobic oil droplets and the hydrophilic membrane surface. 19 However, they still suffer from fouling problems, since oil droplets in the emulsion could accumulate on the membrane surface and obstruct the passage of water molecules. 20,21 Therefore, amphiphilic membranes containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic (i.e.…”

Pickering Emulsions Stabilized by Chitosan/Natural Acacia Gum Biopolymers: Effects of pH and Salt Concentrations

“…Emulsion formation using a biopolymer as a surface agent is governed by either direct adsorption to the surface during droplet formation and stabilization, or by interactions with another biopolymer layer or surfactant already situated at the interface [ 4 ]. Specifically, chitosan (CT) is a low-toxicity, hydrophilic, and biodegradable polysaccharide having wide usage, especially in the formation of different types of emulsions [ 7 , 8 ]. The emulsifying tendency of CT is linked to its structural heterogeneity.…”

“…AG is commonly utilized as a stabilizer, thickener, emulsifier, surface-finishing material, and flavoring agent [ 22 ]. Just like CT, AG has also been investigated as a promising emulsifier for different types of emulsion [ 2 , 5 , 6 , 8 , 21 , 23 ]. According to the aforementioned studies, both CT and AG have been used independently as stabilizers to produce different emulsion systems.…”