Efficient Removal of Pb(II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions Using an HFO-PVDF Composite Adsorption Membrane

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Efficient removal of lead (Pb(II)) from wastewater is critical for public health and environmental protection.
• Conventional methods face challenges in selectivity and scalability for heavy metal remediation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate novel hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) nanoparticle-embedded poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composite membranes for efficient Pb(II) removal.
• To assess the adsorption characteristics, regeneration capabilities, and potential for industrial application of the developed membranes.

Main Methods:

• A simple blending method was employed to synthesize HFO-PVDF composite membranes.
• Adsorption equilibrium, capacity, temperature dependence, and regeneration efficiency were investigated.
• Filtration and dynamic regeneration tests were conducted to evaluate performance under simulated real-world conditions.

Main Results:

• The optimized HFO-PVDF(1.5) membrane achieved adsorption equilibrium within 20 hours with excellent Pb(II) adsorption capacity.
• Adsorption capacity increased with temperature, indicating an endothermic process.
• The membrane demonstrated high selectivity for Pb(II) in complex matrices and could be regenerated effectively.
• Continuous operation treated up to 200 L/m² of wastewater before breakthrough at 5 mg/L initial Pb(II) concentration.

Conclusions:

• The developed HFO-PVDF composite membranes offer a promising solution for efficient and cost-effective Pb(II) removal from wastewater.
• The membranes exhibit high selectivity, good regeneration capabilities, and potential for scalability in industrial applications.
• This study provides a strong theoretical and technical basis for the practical application of HFO-PVDF membranes in water treatment.