Hybrid Process of Oxidation and Separation of Organic Contaminants Using Copper(II) Complex-Decorated Nylon Membranes...

Industrial wastewater often contains recalcitrant organic contaminants that are difficult to remove, necessitating treatment strategies that integrate different mechanisms under relevant environmental conditions. In this study, a hybrid oxidation and separation process based on nylon membranes decorated with a copper-(II) (CuL) complex was developed at near-neutral pH and in the absence of light irradiation. The performance was evaluated in batch tests for the removal of the dye Drimaren Red X-6BN (DRX-6BN) and in filtration systems applied to the treatment of oily wastewater in the absence and presence of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The decorated membranes showed DRX-6BN removals of approximately 50% by adsorption in 300 min, while the addition of H₂O₂ increased the efficiency to values greater than 80% in 180 min. In filtration systems, the integration of catalytic oxidation and membrane separation resulted in the removal of up to ∼100% of the chemical oxygen demand of oily wastewater, even when using a membrane with the lowest CuL load. The activity of the material was maintained after storage for at least three months. These results provide initial evidence supporting the feasibility of CuL-decorated nylon membranes for advanced wastewater treatment applications.