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MXene (Ti3C2Tx)/Cellulose Acetate Mixed-Matrix Membrane Enhances Fouling Resistance and Rejection in the Crossflow
Reem S Azam1, Dema A Almasri1, Radwan Alfahel2
1Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar.
Membranes
|April 21, 2022
Summary
This study developed advanced MXene/cellulose acetate membranes for water purification, showing improved flux and antifouling properties, especially in crossflow filtration. These novel membranes offer a promising solution to membrane fouling challenges in water treatment.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Membrane fouling is a major challenge in water purification, hindering efficiency.
- Cellulose acetate membranes are widely used but susceptible to fouling.
- MXene materials offer unique properties for enhancing membrane performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and evaluate covalently crosslinked MXene/cellulose acetate mixed matrix membranes.
- To investigate the impact of MXene concentration on membrane properties and performance.
- To compare membrane performance in dead-end (DE) and crossflow (CF) filtration modes for water purification.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of MXene/cellulose acetate mixed matrix membranes with varying MXene content (0-12%).
- Characterization of membrane properties: hydrophilicity, surface roughness, water flux, water uptake, and porosity.
- Performance evaluation using dead-end and crossflow filtration for dye (methyl green) and protein (bovine serum albumin) rejection.
- Assessment of antifouling properties through flux recovery and irreversible fouling ratios.
Main Results:
- The CCAM-10% membrane exhibited enhanced hydrophilicity, water flux, water uptake, and porosity.
- Crossflow (CF) filtration demonstrated significantly higher water flux compared to dead-end (DE) filtration.
- The CCAM-10% membrane achieved high rejection rates (96.60% for MG, 99.49% for BSA) in CF mode.
- Good antifouling performance was observed, with a flux recovery ratio of 67.30% and an irreversible fouling ratio of 32.70.
Conclusions:
- Covalent crosslinking with MXene significantly improves the performance and fouling resistance of cellulose acetate membranes.
- Crossflow filtration mode is superior to dead-end filtration for these membranes in terms of flux and performance.
- These MXene-modified membranes show great potential for efficient and durable water purification applications.
