Preparation of carboxylated graphene oxide nanosheets/polysulphone hollow fibre separation membranes with improved separation and dye adsorption properties

Abstract

Novel hollow fibre polysulphone (PSF) separation membranes were prepared via the incorporation of carboxylated graphene oxide (cGO) in membrane matrix during the dry‐wet spinning process to improve the membrane performance of water flux and dye adsorption. The surface composition and morphology of the prepared cGO‐incorporated hollow fibre membranes were characterised by means of Fourier Transform–infrared spectra and scanning electron microscopy. The effects of different cGO contents on membrane surface hydrophilicity, separation performance, anti‐compaction and adsorption properties were investigated through measurements of the water contact angle, cross‐flow filtration and methylene blue (MB) adsorption experiments. The results demonstrated that the cGO‐incorporated membranes had more hydrophilic surfaces, higher permeation flux, better anti‐compaction properties and a higher adsorption rate of MB than that of the PSF control membrane. When cGO content was 0.45 wt.%, the pure water flux of the modified membrane increased from 90.56 to 148.26 l m−2 h−1 at 0.1 MPa; also, rejections of bovine serum albumin and polyethylene glycol (PEG‐20000) maintained relatively high values of 98.81 and 93.89%, respectively. The incorporation of cGO nanosheets could effectively improve membrane anti‐compaction properties and the adsorption rate of MB.

Developing a new sustainable eco-adsorbent film from flexographic printing plate waste to remove cationic organic and inorganic pollutants

“…Graphene and its derivatives or composites can effectively be used as adsorbents, 2,3 however, many studies have shown a correlation between the amount of oxidation on graphene and its adsorption capabilities 19 whereas graphene with a high degree of oxidation or having many active sites, has high hydrophilicity and that enhances its interaction with contaminants. 20 A signicant obstacle in the wastewater treatment process is the widespread separation and recycling of nanomaterials. A possible solution is the support of graphene on a polymeric matrix, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).…”

“…Graphene and its derivatives or composites can effectively be used as adsorbents, 2,3 however, many studies have shown a correlation between the amount of oxidation on graphene and its adsorption capabilities 19 whereas graphene with a high degree of oxidation or having many active sites, has high hydrophilicity and that enhances its interaction with contaminants. 20…”