Preparation and characterization of a novel hydrophilic PVDF/PVA/Al₂O₃ nanocomposite membrane for removal of As(V) from aqueous solutions

Abstract

In this study, the novel Poly(vinylidene fluoride)(PVDF)/ polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/Al2O3 nanocomposite blend membranes with hydrophilic surface were prepared for the first time and used for removal of Arsenic from aqueous environments. First, PVDF/PVA blend membranes were prepared via Non-solvent-Induced Phase Separation method and then the characterization was done by several methods. Presence of PVA in membrane matrix caused significant improvements in hydrophilicity and permeability. Although the water contact angle was about 86 for the pure PVDF membrane, it reduced to about 44 for the membrane with the highest PVA content (PVDF/PVA mass ratio = 92/8). Based on the results of the scanning electron microscopy analysis, contact angle measurements, permeability (pure water permeation flux), and tensile strength tests the membrane with PVDF/PVA ratio of 96/4 was selected as the base membrane; thereafter, Al2O3 nanoparticles with weight percents of 1-to 5% (with respect to total polymer weight) were added to the casting solution of the aforementioned blend membrane. The resulted nanocomposites were evaluated through further experiments such as energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis, attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, and Arsenic rejection test. The results showed that removal efficiency was directly dependent on Al2O3 concentrations in membrane's matrix so that it soared to 90% for the membrane including 5% of Al2O3. Besides increase in hydrophilicity and permeability, adding nanoparticles also caused significant improvements in mechanical properties of the prepared nanocomposite membranes. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2452-2461, 2019

Rapid removal of arsenic from water using metal oxide doped recyclable cross-linked chitosan cryogel

“…Various treatment methods such as chemical precipitation, membrane filtration [4], oxidation-precipitation [5], coagulation-flocculation associated to filtration [6], sorption [7,8], nanofiltration [9,10], ion exchange [11], reverse osmosis [12], etc. have been utilized for the removal of As from contaminated potable water.…”

Synthesis of a novel Zn‐MOF/PVA nanofibrous composite as bioorganic material: Design, systematic study and an efficient arsenic removal

“…[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] In recent years, heavy metal pollution has increased as a result of the evolution of the chemical industry and the introduction of toxic compounds into water. [24][25][26][27][28][29] These elements, which have low biocompatibility and biodegradability, contain many compounds, but studies have shown that the contamination of arsenic has attracted much attention due to its effects on organisms and has become a global concern. [30] Arsenic causes many environmental and health problems and plays a key role in the development of cancer in the skin, lungs, bladder, and kidneys.…”

“…[ 8‐23 ] In recent years, heavy metal pollution has increased as a result of the evolution of the chemical industry and the introduction of toxic compounds into water. [ 24‐29 ] These elements, which have low biocompatibility and biodegradability, contain many compounds, but studies have shown that the contamination of arsenic has attracted much attention due to its effects on organisms and has become a global concern. [ 30 ]…”

Carbon‐Based Adsorbents from Naturally Available Bermuda Grasses: Removal of TDS and Arsenic Ions

“…Most of the heavy metal ions have adverse toxic and carcinogenic effects on human being even at very low concentration as they gradually accumulate in the body parts through the drinking water over the time. [9,10] Among all the heavy metal ions, non-biodegradable ions especially Arsenic (As(V)) in potable drinking water cause acute global problem owing to their adverse impact on the environment and health. [11][12][13] The arsenic contamination problem is especially acute in developing parts of the world where the water treatment infrastructure may not be capable of providing suitable treatment.…”

“…Organic dyes are also considered as serious pollutants as they can damage liver, digestive and central nervous systems of human beings. Most of the heavy metal ions have adverse toxic and carcinogenic effects on human being even at very low concentration as they gradually accumulate in the body parts through the drinking water over the time . Among all the heavy metal ions, non‐biodegradable ions especially Arsenic (As(V)) in potable drinking water cause acute global problem owing to their adverse impact on the environment and health .…”