TiO2 Nanoparticle Filler-Based Mixed-Matrix PES/CA Nanofiltration Membranes for Enhanced Desalination

Abstract

Mixed-matrix nanocomposite (PES/CA/PVP) membranes were fabricated for water desalination by incorporating varying amount of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) ranging from 0 and 2 wt. %. Efficient dispersion of nanoparticles within polymeric membranes was achieved using the chemical precipitation method for uniform surface generation, and an asymmetric morphology was achieved via phase inversion method. Finally, membranes were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), porosity and contact angle analysis. FTIR confirmed chemical composition of membranes in terms of polymers (PES/CA/PVP) and TiO2. TGA analysis confirmed an increase in thermal stability of membranes with the increase of TiO2 nanoparticles loading. The addition of TiO2 nanoparticles also resulted in an increase in porous structures due to an increase in mean pore size, as shown by SEM results. An increase in the hydrophilicity of the membranes was observed by increasing the concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles. The present study investigated pristine and mixed-matrix nanocomposite NF membrane performance while filtering a NaCl salt solution at varying concentration range (from 1 to 4 g/Lit 6 bar). The prepared membranes demonstrated significant improvement in water permeability and hydrophilicity. Further, to optimize the water flux and salt rejection, the concentration of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was optimized along with TiO2 nanoparticles. Both the water flux and salt rejection of the fabricated membranes were observed to increase with an increase inTiO2 nanoparticles to 2 wt. % loading with optimized PVP concentration, which demonstrated the improved desalination performance of resultant membranes.

Removal of Scale-Forming Ions and Oil Traces from Oil Field Produced Water Using Graphene Oxide/Polyethersulfone and TiO2 Nanoribbons/Polyethersulfone Nanofiltration Membranes

“…The findings of employing GO as a nanofiller material for nanofiltration membranes are consistent with the reported data by Hao et al [25] and Amin et al [61]. TiO 2 nanomaterial, which is utilized in nanofiltration, also improves the water flux [66][67][68].…”

“…These findings are in line with those of Mehwish et al, who discovered that TiO2 NP can improve the chemical stability of PES membranes [66]. Yeh et al have shown the remarkable stability of GO membranes in water [67]. The successful use of 1 M NaOH as a cleaning agent with a high FRR demonstrates membrane resilience to cleaning.…”

Synthesis of nano-sized lead sulfide thin films from Avocado (Glycosmis cochinchinensis) Leaf extracts to empower pollution remediation

“…Several investigators have studied the preparation of different chalcogenides. The electro-luminescence, as well as numerous diffractive properties of Nano-composites of chalcogenides/polymer, has lately been explored 1 – 3 .…”

Polymeric Droplets on SiO2 Nanoparticles through Wastewater Treatment of Carbon‐Based Contaminants in Photocatalytic Degradation

“…Nanotechnologies are making their way into all features of our survival; these technologies are being progressively used in pharmacological and medicinal applications, makeups and individual products, energy storing and effectiveness, water treatments and air purification, environmental remediation, chemical as well as biological antennas, military defense and explosives [1], and in numerous consumer products and material. For instance, in the area of food, nanomaterials can be used to provide new tastes and flavors; functional food; hygienic food dispensation and packing; intelligent, frivolous, and strong packing; extended shelf life; and concentrated agrochemicals, colors, flavors, and preservers [2].…”