Synthesis of Two-Dimensional Nanomaterial Based Hybrid Membrane for Antibiotic Removal from Wastewater

Abstract

The existence of elevated levels of antibiotics in wastewater has facilitated the emergence and spread of pathogens with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). When combined with the worldwide water scarcity issue, this situation results in detrimental impacts on both the ecosystem and human well-being. Traditional methods employed by wastewater treatment facilities exhibit limited effectiveness in eliminating antibiotics. This study describes the synthesis and performance of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial-based hybrid free-standing membrane for the removal of antibiotic from water. Lamellar graphene oxide (GO) and MXene (Ti3C2Tx) were synthesized and used to fabricate the membranes. Several characterization techniques were employed to assess the synthesized two-dimensional nanomaterials (2DNMs) and fabricated membranes, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), water contact angle, tensile strength test, and zeta potential analysis. Additionally, the performance of the membranes was evaluated using a vacuum-assisted filtration setup. The resulting highly stable GO/Ti3C2Tx composite membranes displayed significantly enhanced water flux in comparison to pristine GO membrane. They also exhibited exceptional tetracycline rejection, in comparison to pristine Ti3C2Tx membrane; however, the 50%GO/Ti3C2Tx composite membrane showed the highest antibiotic rejection exceeding 99.8%. Combining GO and Ti3C2Tx at specific mass ratios enhanced properties, evidenced by altered interlayer spacing and hydrophilicity. Furthermore, the superior composite membrane demonstrated superior antifouling properties compared to both pristine GO and Ti3C2Tx membranes as demonstrated during three cycles of reusability and antifouling study.

Date of Award	18 Dec 2023
Original language	American English
Supervisor	SHADI Hasan (Supervisor)