Effective removal of anionic dyes from aqueous solution using polyethersulfone based membrane reinforced by...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Wastewater treatment requires advanced materials for efficient dye removal.
• Polymeric membranes offer potential but often face challenges with fouling and efficiency.
• Montmorillonite (MMT) is a clay mineral with properties that can enhance polymer matrices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel Polyethersulfone (PES)/montmorillonite (MMT) composite membrane.
• To evaluate the impact of MMT on membrane properties and performance, particularly for dye removal.
• To assess the potential of these composite membranes for sustainable water purification.

Main Methods:

• Phase inversion process was used to fabricate the PES/MMT membranes.
• Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used as a pore-forming agent, and N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) as a solvent.
• Membrane characterization included FT-IR, FE-SEM, EDX, water flux, water uptake, contact angle, and fouling assessments.

Main Results:

• The addition of MMT significantly improved membrane hydrophilicity, porosity, and antifouling capacity.
• PES/MMT membranes exhibited enhanced water flux (35 L/m²·h) and high dye rejection rates (up to 99% for Congo red).
• Increased negative surface charge due to MMT facilitated effective removal of anionic dyes like Congo red, Methyl orange, and Quinoline yellow.

Conclusions:

• The PES/MMT composite membrane represents a significant advancement in sustainable water purification.
• These membranes offer enhanced mechanical strength, structural stability, and surface area for efficient dye adsorption.
• PES/MMT membranes provide a promising, eco-friendly alternative for effective wastewater treatment and dye removal.