Preparation and characterization of a novel antifouling nano filtration poly ethersulfone (PES) membrane by embedding goethite-tannic acid nanoparticles

摘要

An antifouling mixed matrix polyethersulfone (PES) nanofiltration membrane modified by the hydrophilic goethite-tannic acid nanoparticles was synthesized via the phase inversion method. The performance of the fabricated membranes was evaluated in terms of water flux, fouling parameters and dye rejection. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) and water contact angle results confirmed that the hydrophilicity and antifouling properties of the modified membranes were approved by lower water contact angle and smoother surface, which implied on the effective function of the nanoparticles. The modified membrane with 0.5 wt% of the nanoparticle showed the best performance with outstanding improvement in antifouling properties relative to the other prepared membranes which is compatible with scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. By increasing goethite-tannic acid content from 0 to 1 wt%, the pure water flux enhanced from 23.43 to 60.65 kg/m(2). A relatively high FRR of 80.6% was achieved for the 0.5 wt% PES/goethite-tannic acid. The best result of dye rejection value obtained from the goethite-tannic acid modified membrane was 92.61%. The findings of this study introduce this modification as a promising improving strategy for preparation of antifouling self-cleaning NF membrane.