TFC polyamide NF membrane: Characterization, application and evaluation of MTPs and MTC for simultaneous removal of hexavalent chromium and fluoride

Abstract

The aim of the present work was check the feasibility of thin film composite (TFC) polyamide NF500 nanofiltration (NF) membrane for simultaneous removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] and fluoride from a synthetically prepared binary solution. The characterizations of the membrane were made with techniques like Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The study of simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) and fluoride ions at different parameters such as feed concentration, pressure and pH. Evaluation of mass transfer coefficient (MTC) and membrane transport parameters (MTPs) using the combined film theory-Spiegler-Kedem (CFSK) model. The estimated parameters are used to predict membrane performance for simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) and fluoride. Experimental results and model predicted results that show good correlations.