Preparation and characterization of high flux PES nanofiltration membrane using hydrophilic nanoparticles by phase inversion method for application in advanced wastewater treatment

In this research, in order to application of polymeric membrane for high quality treatment of wastewater, the synthesis, characterization, antifouling properties and performance of blended nanofiltration membranes were investigated. The chemical and physical characteristic influence of embedded hydrophilic dendrimer polycitrate-Alumoxane nanoparticles in membranes matrix was investigated by measuring permeability, filtration of fouling agent, water contact angle and the performance was assessed by calculating of Flux recovery ratio (FRR) and pure water flux. Also, to visual evaluation of thick of skin layer and pores shape, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques was applied. The membrane surface hydrophilicity was improved by adding polycitrate-Alumoxane nanoparticles that can be attributed to the presence of hydrophilic functional groups on surface that was confirmed by contact angle experiments. The modified poly ether sulfone (PES) NF membrane revealed high resistance against fouling and high dye removal efficiency compared with that of the pristine PES. The FRR value of the PES membrane was increased from 39 to 98 % by blending 0.5 wt. % hydrophilic dendrimer polycitrate-Alumoxane nanoparticles. Also, Direct red 16 removal percentage was obtained 82 and 99 for unfilled and modified membrane, respectively.