Enhanced photocatalytic properties of graphene oxide/polyvinylchloride membranes by incorporation with green prepared SnO2 and TiO2 nanocomposite for water treatment

Abstract

Photocatalytic membranes (PMR) have significant potential for utilization in energy-efficient water purification and wastewater treatment. The integration of membrane filtration's physical separation with photocatalysis's organic degradation is facilitated by their respective capabilities. In the present study, a more advanced graphene oxide (GO) membrane with improved photocatalytic properties was developed. This was achieved by incorporating tin dioxide (SnO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) into a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix, resulting in the fabrication of a microfiltration flat sheet membrane. The hydrophilicity of the membrane surface was investigated. The existence of NPs on membrane surfaces was demonstrated by FESEM images, Raman spectra, and FT-IR measurements. The porosity was affected by the addition of NPs; it increased from 59 to 76, and 92 for GO/TiO2, and GO/SnO2 respectively. The relationship between photocatalysis and filtration was investigated. Each nanocomposite membrane displayed a greater water flux and removal efficiency than a blank PVC membrane. Whereas the water flux enhanced from 1.3 to 17.6, and 20.5 for GO/TiO2, and GO/SnO2 respectively. Sunlight improves water flow and rejection compared to darkness. This research provides an alternative and highly efficient photocatalytic membrane for removing organic compounds from water, as the GO/SnO2 nanocomposites membrane exhibits the highest photocatalytic degradation up to a rejection rate of 98% when compared to an unmodified membrane.