Fabrication of novel (Cr) based (MIL-101) incorporated mixed matrix forward osmosis membranes for environmental remediation

This paper focusses on the fabrication of a thin film nanocomposite forward osmosis (FO) membrane using PA support. This was done through interfacial polymerization with MOF MIL-101(Cr). There are various methods which are used for the purification of water such as ion-exchange method; reverse osmosis, adsorption, solvent extraction but these are expensive, old and timing consuming. So there is need of a unique and reliable method which is cheap, easy, less time consuming, pollution free and can give better results. For this purpose, I have worked on FO membranes with the incorporation of novel MOF MIL-101(Cr). By using different characterization methods, the surface properties, chemical composition and structure of FO membranes based on MOF MIL-101(Cr) were studied. This coating has done by layer by method therefore has larger pores to higher selective layer roughness. It also enhanced the membrane permeability and heavy metal rejection because MOF MIL-101(Cr) has unique structures and desirable mechanical and chemical properties. This MOF has high thermal stability, greater surface area and high porosity. It was observed that TNF membranes provide ultrafast nano-channels for water transport, higher water flux and lower the solute reverse flux as compared to TFC membranes without MIL-101(Cr). The results of FO thin film nanocomposite membranes based on MOF MIL-101(Cr) have shown the 81 % heavy metal rejection than simple polyamide membranes. This FO method will offer further promising applications, opportunities and excellent separation performances to produce composite membranes with thin films on microfiltration substrates to mitigate concentration polarization. [Display omitted] •MIL-101(Cr) was characterized using FTIR, XRD and adsorption desorption isotherms.•Fabricated MOF was incorporated in TFN membranes as a filler to enhance the crystallinity.•MIL-101(Cr) has enhanced the water flux by reduction in reverse solute flux.•MIL-101(Cr) incorporated membranes are highly selective adsorbent for As and Cr metals.