Fabrication of novel buckypaper metal oxide nano-catalysis glycerol carbonate/MWCNTs membrane for efficient removal of heavy metals

Abstract

This study describes the fabrication of novel buckypaper membranes through the dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the presence of surfactants metal oxide nano-catalysis Zinc oxide and magnesium oxide (ZnO and MgO) glycerol carbonate separately. Following vacuum filtration of the scattered solutions, self-supporting membranes known as buckypapers (BPs) were produced. The suggested membranes were employed for the efficient removal of heavy metals. The obtained data indicated that the incorporation of both glycerol carbonates prepared by two different nano metal oxides enhanced the permeability of MWCNTs membranes rejection efficiency. The characterization of the synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles, as well as the physicochemical and morphological properties of the membranes, were investigated. The rejection capabilities of membranes for the heavy metal ions were examined. Moreover, the suggested MWCNTs/ZnO nano-catalyst glycerol carbonate BP membrane displayed high rejection efficiency for heavy metals (Cd2+, Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Pb2+) than that prepared from the MgO nano-catalyst one.

Keywords

• Buckypaper membrane
• Heavy metals
• Water treatments
• Metal oxides nanoparticles
• Surfactants