CoFe₂O₄ modified bentonite-based mixed matrix loose nanofiltration membranes for effective wastewater treatment

Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) with an ideal polymer/hydrophilic flux enhancer interface considerably recuperates the separation and purification performance of membrane. In this direction, a novel CoFe₂O₄ functionalized natural clay-bentonite (CoFe₂O₄@BT) material as a compatible flux enhancer was synthesized for preparation of mixed matrix based in polyethersulfone (PES) matrix. Here, the influences of CoFe₂O₄@BT on the morphology and performance of the MMMs membranes were systematically investigated using various analytical techniques. Meanwhile, the water flux and sepration eficiency of the CoFe₂O₄@BT-PES membranes significantly enhanced due to the incorporation of CoFe₂O₄@BT that altered hydrophilicity, pore and surface characteristic features. The water flux as well as separation efficiency range up to 95%, 94.69%, 94.16% of Congo red (CR), Crystal violet (CV), and humic acid (HA) respectively. Meanwhile, the fouling parameters demonstrated that the CoFe₂O₄@BT-PES membranes exhibited better antifouling property in the long term experiment comparing with commercial polyamide membrane. CoFe₂O₄@BT material incorporated membranes showed less decline ratio and a better recovery ratio. The high rejection of dyes with a high permeation flux of the newly designed membranes indicated an amazing possibility for dye purification. In this study, a potential dye mechanism for composite membranes impacted by synthetic CoFe₂O₄@BT was also put forth. Within the context of application considerations for environmental protection, new materials stock in membranes show good potential for the separation of different organic contaminants.