Polyether sulfone-graphite nanocomposite for nanofiltration membrane with enhanced separation, antifouling and antibacterial properties

Sayed Mohsen Hosseini,Sima Mohammadianfar,Samaneh Koudzari Farahani,Sadra Solhi 한국화학공학회 2023 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.40 No.1

Mixed matrix polyether sulfone based-graphite nanoparticle nanofiltration membranes were prepared by phase inversion technique. SEM, SOM, 3D surface analysis, water content, water contact angle, tensile strength, salt rejection, water flux, porosity, antifouling measurements as well as antibacterial activity were used in membrane characterization. SOM images showed graphite nanoparticle distribution in the structure of membranes relatively. The cross section SEM showed that incorporation of graphite nanoparticles into the casting solution had significant effect on the appearance structural properties of the membrane. The water flux of modified membranes was higher than the amount for unmodified membrane obviously. Salt rejection also increased from 82% for unmodified membrane to 91.79% for the membrane containing 0.5 wt% graphite nanoparticles. The water content and porosity increased at 0.05 wt% and 0.5 wt% concentration of graphite nanoparticle, and showed decreasing manner at 0.1 wt% and 1 wt% additives ratios. Utilizing 0.05 wt% G-nanoparticles into the polymeric solution made a membrane with smoother and hydrophilic surface that tended to improved anti-fouling properties. The 0.05 wt% G-nanoparticles/PES membrane showed more suitable behavior than other membranes. Moreover, blended membranes showed antibacterial activity against E-coli.

Adapting the performance and physico-chemical properties of PES nanofiltration membrane by using of magnesium oxide nanoparticles

Sayed Mohsen Hosseini,Ehsan Bagheripour,Mohsen Ansari 한국화학공학회 2017 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.34 No.6

A new mixed matrix Polyethersulfone (PES)-co-Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MGO) nanocomposite nanofiltration membrane was prepared through phase inversion method by using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as pore former and N, N dimethylacetamide (DMAc) as solvent. The influence of MGO nanoparticles concentration in the membrane matrix on the separation performance and physico-chemical characteristics of prepared membrane was studied by scanning electron microscopy, surface analysis, porosity measurement, water contact angle, permeability flux, salt rejection, antifouling property, and tensile strength. SEM images exhibited situating of MGO nanoparticles on the top surface of mixed matrix prepared membranes. SEM analysis also showed formation of a dense nanoparticle layer on the surface of prepared membrane at high additive concentration. Surface analysis results that revealed membrane surface roughness was increased initially by addition of MGO and then was decreased. Measured porosity showed reduction behavior for all prepared membranes filled with MGO nanoparticles. The membrane surface hydrophilicity was enhanced 35% by incorporating MGO nanoparticles into the membrane matrix. Results showed that membrane permeation flux was improved 32% by utilizing of MgO nanoparticles into the membrane matrix. Salt rejection was also improved 49% by using MGO nanoparticles in the membrane matrix relatively. The modified membranes filled with different concentrations of MGO nanoparticles showed higher antifouling properties and tensile strength compared to the neat PES membrane.

Tailoring the separation performance and antifouling property of polyethersulfone based NF membrane by incorporating hydrophilic CuO nanoparticles

Sayed Mohsen Hosseini,Fatemeh Karami,Samaneh Koudzari Farahani,Samaneh Bandehali,Jiangnan Shen,Ehsan Bagheripour,Amin Seidypoor 한국화학공학회 2020 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.37 No.5

CuO/PES composite membranes were fabricated through phase inversion method, focusing on fouling reduction and improving separation performance. Copper oxide nanoparticles were used as filler additive in the membrane structure. The effect of the embedded CuO nanoparticles on the morphology was studied by considering SEM, SOM and 3D surface images. Flux recovery ratio (FRR%), water contact angle, water content, mechanical tensile strength, porosity and mean pore size, salt rejection and water flux were investigated to evaluate the performance of fabricated membranes. The SOM images showed a uniform surface for the modified membranes. SEM images showed a finger-like structure for the modified membranes. Results also denoted an increment in porosity and mean pore size of membrane at low concentration of CuO NPs, whereas the opposite trend was found at higher concentration of nanoparticles. Utilizing CuO NPs enhanced the membrane tensile strength obviously. PWF significantly was improved by applying CuO NPs in membrane matrix. Highest PWF (42.63 L/m2h) was observed for PES-0.05 wt% CuO blended membrane, whereas it was 10.41 (L/ m2h) for pristine ones. Salt rejection also measured 82% for virgin membrane and 63-90% for modified membranes. Moreover, FRR% were measured (~77% to ~93%), while the pristine membrane showed ~63% FRR%.

Enhancing antifouling and separation characteristics of carbon nanofiber embedded poly ether sulfone nanofiltration membrane

Sayed Mohsen Hosseini,Mansoureh Sadat Banijamali,Samaneh Koudzari Farahani,Samaneh Bandehali 한국화학공학회 2022 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.39 No.9

Poly (ether sulfone)-(PES) based mixed-matrix nanofiltration (NF) membranes were fabricated by incorporatingcarbon nanofibers (CNFs) through solution casting technique. Scanning optical microscopy (SOM), scanningelectron microscopy (SEM) and surface roughness analysis were carried out in membrane characterization. Wateruptake, contact angle, tensile strength, and porosity measurements, as well as water flux, salt rejection and antifoulingexperiments were used. SEM images showed more porous structure for the blended membranes compared to virginmembrane. Finger-like pores was also observed for the modified membranes. SOM image showed uniform surface forthe prepared membranes relatively. Surface roughness also showed decreasing trend by increase of CNF ratio. Watercontact angle was reduced from 67.8o for pristine membrane to 54.6o for the blended membranes. Salt rejection alsoincreased from 66.49% for bare membrane to 86.4% for the blended membrane containing of 0.1 wt% CNFs. Themembrane porosity, water content, water flux and tensile strength were enhanced by using CNFs into the membranebody. Blended PES-CNFs membranes showed high fouling resistance compared to the virgin membrane. The fluxrecovery ratio was measured up to 79.20% for the modified membranes.

Preparation and electrochemical characterization of polyvinylchloride/ FeTiO3-co-Fe3O4 nanoparticles mixed matrix ion exchange membranes: Investigation of concentration and pH effects

Sayed Mohsen Hosseini,Alireza Hamidi,Abdolreza Moghadassi,Fahime Parvizian,Sayed Siavash Madaeni 한국화학공학회 2015 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.32 No.9

Polyvinyl chloride based/FeTiO3-co-Fe3O4 nanoparticles mixed matrix heterogeneous cation exchange membranes were prepared by solution casting technique. The effect of using filler additives in casting solution and also electrolyte concentration and pH on electrochemical properties of membrane was studied. Membrane potential, transport number and selectivity were improved by using FeTiO3/Fe3O4 nanoparticles in membrane matrix. Utilizing FeTiO3/ Fe3O4 nanoparticles in membrane matrix also led to improvement of membrane ionic flux from 2.95*10−5 to 4.15*10−5 (mol/m2·s) obviously. Similar trend was also found for membrane electrical conductivity. Moreover, the transport number, selectivity and membrane electrical conductivity were enhanced by increase of electrolyte concentration. Prepared membranes exhibited higher transport number/selectivity at pH 7 compared to other pH values. Obtained results showed that the membrane electrical resistance decreased initially by increase of electrolyte pH sharply and then began to increase. Membranes exhibited lower selectivity for bivalent ions compared to monovalent type. Modified membranes containing FeTiO3/Fe3O4 nanoparticles showed more appropriate electrochemical properties compared to other prepared membranes.

Electrochemical characterization of mixed matrix heterogeneous cation exchange membranes modified by simultaneous using ilmenite-co-iron oxide nanoparticles

Sayed Mohsen Hosseini,Alireza Hamidi,Abdolreza Moghadassi,Sayed Siavash Madaeni 한국화학공학회 2015 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.32 No.3

Mixed matrix heterogeneous cation exchange membranes were prepared by solution casting technique. Ilmenite-co-iron oxide nanoparticle was also employed as inorganic filler additive in membrane fabrication. The effectof the used additives on membrane electrochemical properties was studied. Membrane ion exchange capacity, membranepotential, transport number and selectivity all were improved by use of FeTiO3/Fe3O4 nanoparticles in membranematrix. Utilizing FeTiO3-co-Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the casting solution also led to increase in ionic flux obviously. The modified membranes containing FeTiO3-co-Fe3O4 nanoparticles showed higher transport number, selectivity andionic flux compared to modified membrane containing ilmenite. Electrodialysis experiment in laboratory scale alsoshowed higher cation removal for modified membrane containing FeTiO3-co-Fe3O4 nanoparticles compared to othermodified membranes and pristine ones. Results showed that membrane areal electrical resistance declined sharply byuse of FeTiO3-co-Fe3O4 nanoparticles in membrane matrix. Moreover, modified membrane containing ilmenite showedlower electrical resistance compared to others. Results showed that oxidative stability of membranes was decreasedslightly by use of FeTiO3/Fe3O4 nanoparticles in membrane matrix. The results revealed that modified membranes inthis study are comparable with that of other commercial ones.

Surface modification of cation exchange membranes by graft polymerization of PAA-co-PANI/MWCNTs nanoparticles

Sayed Mohsen Hosseini,Mahsa Nemati,Ehsan Bagheripour,Sayed Siavash Madaeni 한국화학공학회 2016 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.33 No.3

Surface modification of polyvinylchloride based heterogeneous cation exchange membrane was performed by graft polymerization of PAA and PAA-co-PANI/MWCNTs nanoparticles. The ion exchange membranes were prepared by solution casting technique. Spectra analysis confirmed graft polymerization clearly. SEM images illustrated that graft polymerization covers the membranes by simple gel network entanglement. The membrane water content was decreased by graft polymerization of PAA-co-PANI/MWCNTs nanoparticles on membrane surface. Membrane transport number and selectivity declined initially by PAA graft polymerization and then began to increase by utilizing of composite nanoparticles in modifier solution. The sodium and barium flux was improved sharply by PAA and PAAco- 0.01%wt PANI/MWCNTs graft polymerization on membrane surface and then decreased again by more increase of PANI/MWCNTs nanoparticles content ratio in modifier solution. The electrodialysis experiment results in laboratory scale showed higher dialytic rate in heavy metals removal for grafted-PAA and grafted-PAA-co-PANI/MWCNTs modified membrane compared to pristine one. Membrane areal electrical resistance was also decreased by introducing graft polymerization of PAA and PAA-co-PANI/MWCNTs NPs on membrane surface.

Developing thin film heterogeneous ion exchange membrane modified by 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid hydrogel-co-super activated carbon nanoparticles coating layer

Mahsa Nemati,Sayed Mohsen Hosseini,Meisam Shabanian 한국화학공학회 2017 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.34 No.6

Highly selective cation exchange membranes were prepared by coating a thin 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid based hydrogel layer and super activated carbon nanoparticles-co-hydrogel layer on polyvinyl chloride based cation exchange membranes. FTIR analysis proved hydrogel formation on membrane surface successfully. Scanning electron microscopy images and swelling ratio measurement were used to study the effect of super activated carbon nanoparticles on properties of formed hydrogel. The surface morphology, surface hydrophilicity and roughness analysis were also used in membrane characterization. Membrane water content was increased by formation of modified layer on the membranes surface. Modified membranes showed a remarkable improvement in potential, permselectivity and transport number compared to pristine type. Membrane ionic flux and permeability were improved initially by using modifier layer on membrane surface, and then showed decreasing trend at high nanoparticles loading ratios in hydrogel layer. Modified membranes showed lower electrical resistance compared to unmodified membrane.

Enhancing the separation and antifouling properties of PES nanofiltration membrane by use of chitosan functionalized magnetic nanoparticles

Farhad Zareei,Samaneh Bandehali,Sayed Mohsen Hosseini 한국화학공학회 2021 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.38 No.5

Chitosan functionalized (CoFe2O4-CuO) composite nanoparticles were synthesized and then used in fabrication of PES-based nanofiltration membranes. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used for the characterization of synthesized nanoparticles. The fabricated membranes were also characterized by scanning electron microscopy, 3D surface images, water contact angle, membrane porosity, pure water flux, salt rejection and fouling resistance consideration. Obtained results revealed that water contact angle was reduced significantly from 65o for the neat membrane to 36o for M5 with 1.0 wt% composite nanoparticles. All modified membranes also showed higher water flux and salt rejection than virgin PES membrane. The highest pure water flux measured 45.2 L/m2h and the highest salt rejection measured 88% for the modified membranes containing of composite nanoparticles. The modified membranes showed outstanding antifouling ability. The flux recovery ratio enhanced from 40% for pristine membrane to 93% for the modified ones with 0.5wt% of Cs-functionalized (CoFe2O4/ CuO) composite nanoparticles.

A new approach to tailoring the separation characteristics of polyethersulfone nanofiltration membranes by 8-hydroxyquinoline functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles

Saeed Ansari,Abdolreza Moghadassi,Sayed Mohsen Hosseini 한국화학공학회 2020 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.37 No.11

8-Hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) was used for modification of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and preparation of polyethersulfone (PES)-based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) by phase inversion process. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The effect of different concentrations of 8- HQ/Fe3O4 NPs into the PES as membrane matrix was investigated by FESEM and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The performance of prepared membranes was evaluated by the water contact angle, pure water flux (PWF), porosity, means pore size, and salt rejection. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution was used to investigate the antifouling properties of fabricated membranes. The results showed a decreasing water contact angle from 68.1o for the pristine membrane to 38.3o for M5 at 0.5 wt% 8-HQ/Fe3O4 NPs. The PWF enhanced for all mixed matrix membranes compared with the pristine membrane. The highest PWF (21.5 L/m2h) was measured for M4 at 0.2wt% NPs, Wwhile it was 7.1 L/m2h for pristine membrane. Salt rejection improved from 58.55% in M1 (pristine membrane) to 96% in M4 (at 0.2 wt% of 8-HQ/Fe3O4 NPs). Also, the modified membranes showed suitable antifouling property.