Polyphenylsulfone/multiwalled carbon nanotubes mixed ultrafiltration membranes: Fabrication, characterization and removal of heavy metals Pb2+, Hg2+, and Cd2+ from aqueous solutions

Abstract

Polyphenylsulfone/multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polyvinylpyrrolidone/1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone mixed matrix ultrafiltration flat-sheet membranes were fabricated via phase inversion process to inspect the heavy metals separation efficacy from aqueous media. Fabricated membranes cross-sectional morphological changes and the topographical alterations were assessed with Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Particularly, MWCNTs assisted membranes exhibited better permeability ability as well as heavy metal removal enactment than virgin membrane. The dead-end filter unit was engaged in current research to examine the permeability and heavy metal removal competence of membranes. With the continuous enhancement of MWCNTs wt% in a polymer matrix, significant enhancement was observed with pure water flux study, from 41.69 L/m2 h to >185 L/m2 h as well as with the heavy metals separation study. Added additive MWCNTs can impact the pore sizes in membranes. The heavy metal separation results achieved, the membrane with 0.3 wt% of MWCNTs (PCNT-3) exhibited >98%, >76% and >72% for Pb2+, Hg2+ and Cd2+ ions, respectively. Overall, MWCNTs introduced PPSU membranes exposed best outcomes with heavy metals contained wastewater treatment. Keywords: Polyphenylsulfone, MWCNTs, Ultrafiltration membranes, Dead-end filtration, Heavy metal rejection