Synthesis of graphene oxide-silver (GO-Ag) nanocomposite TFC RO membrane to enhance morphology and separation performances for groundwater desalination, (case study Marsa Alam area- Red Sea)

Abstract

An advanced method for modification of polyamide thin film PA(TF) composite membrane utilizing prepared graphene oxide-silver nanocomposites (GO-Ag NCs) was revealed to improve the membrane performances for water desalination in the Coastal area. The PA(TF) membrane has been advanced via the combination of GO-Ag NCs into the organic phase 1,3,5-benzenetricarbonyl trichloride (TMC), resulting in the GO-Ag/PA(TF) NCs membranes. The surface possessions of GO-Ag NCs and GO-Ag/PA(TF) NCs membranes were considered using XRD, EDX, FTIR, TEM, SEM, BET, mechanical activity, and contact angle measurements. The salt retention enhanced from 93.5 to 99.2%, however the water flux improved from 27 to 43.4 L/m2.h by increasing the GO-Ag NCs concentricity from 0.00 to 0.15 wt.%. The antifouling performance of the GO-Ag/PA(TF) NCs membrane was assessed using E. coli. The GO-Ag/PA(TF) NCs membrane displayed water flux and salt rejection around 40, 32 L/m2.h, and 96%, 95% for brackish and saline water, respectively, using the feed natural brackish and saline water samples gathered from the Marsa Alam area with TDS 7252 and 33,835 mg/L, respectively. These exhibit that the GO-Ag/PA(TF) NCs membrane can considerably improve the water flux, permeability, selectivity, mechanical possessions, and the bio-antifouling belongings of the RO membranes for water desalination.