Preparation and characterization of polyethersulfone membrane containing zinc oxide nanoparticles and polyvinylpyrrolidone

Abstract

Flat sheet polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membranes were fabricated by a dry/wet induced phase inversion process. Various ranges of ZnO concentrations (from 0 -5 wt. %) were utilized in conjunction with 16.5 and 2.5 wt. % of polyethersulfone and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), respectively. The prepared membranes were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), contact angle (CA), and flux/rejection performance. The modified membranes were tested on humic acid removal. The hydrophilicity of PES membrane was improved after addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles in the casting solution. Highest pure water flux was obtained at 5 wt.% ZnO nanoparticles. The modified membranes with 2.5 wt. % of zinc oxide exhibited higher humic acid flux and rejection. © 2013 Penerbit UTM Press. All rights reserved.