Iron nanoparticles blended polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membranes for enhanced metal ion removal in wastewater treatment

A series of iron nanoparticles (modifier) blended polyethersulfone (base polymer) ultrafiltration (UF) membranes was prepared using wet phase inversion method in the blend compositions of 0/100, 1/99, 2/98, 3/97 and 4/96% respectively. Synthesized membranes were subjected to morphological, thermal stability, UF characterization and metal ion removal studies. Morphological studies using SEM showed the increased number of pores and increased pore size in the blend membranes due to iron nanoparticles addition. Thermal analysis revealed the increased thermal stability of the blend membranes than the pure polymer membrane. UF characterization studies on the prepared membranes clearly indicated the improved hydrophilicity, water uptake and pure water flux with increase in the modifier composition in the membranes. Metal ion rejection studies conducted on these blend membranes showed that the permeate fluxes increased with increase in the modifier composition in the blend membranes, with a small reduction in the metal ion rejection percentage.