Synthesis, characterization and flux evaluation of chitosan tri-polyphosphate membrane and chitosan/tri-polyphosphate membrane impregnated with zinc oxide nanoparticles

Abstract

The present study report the synthesis of chitosan tri-polyphosphate (CTP) membrane and of CTP membrane impregnated with zinc oxide nanoparticles. The zinc oxide nanoparticles was intended to improve the antifouling performance in membrane. Synthesis was performed by mixing method. In the CTP membrane synthesis, tri-polyphosphate concentrations were varied. Meanwhile, in impregnation of the CTP membrane with zinc oxide, the ratios of chitosan to zinc oxide nanoparticles were varied. SEM-EDS analysis showed the biggest zinc oxide nanoparticle distribution occurred with a chitosan to zinc oxide ratio of 2:1 (32.08 %). The addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles occurred the wider pore radius of membranes. Water contact angle analysis showed that chitosan, CTP and CTP-zinc oxide membranes are hydrophilic and the additions of zinc oxide affect the decrease in hydrophilic property of membranes. Membrane performance test on methylene blue showed reduced flux at the most stable time in CTP-zinc oxide (2:1) membrane and maximum flux recovery ratio was present in CTP-zinc oxide (2:1).