Mixed matrix PES-based nanofiltration membrane decorated by (Fe3O4-polyvinylpyrrolidone) composite nanoparticles with intensified antifouling and separation characteristics

In this study, the physico-chemical properties, separation performance and antifouling ability of mixed matrix PES-based nanofiltration membranes decorated by (Fe3O4-polyvinylpyrrolidone) composite nanoparticles were investigated. The morphology of resulted membranes was characterized by scanning electron microscopy)SEM), scanning optical microscopy (SOM) and 3D surface images. The effect of incorporated nanoparticles on membrane properties and performance was determined using water contact angle, water content, membrane pore size and porosity, tensile strength, water flux, salt rejection and BSA solution filtration. The membrane water content was enhanced slightly by embedding Fe3O4/PVP up to 0.1 wt.% in membrane body and then reduced again by more NPs ratio. The water contact angle also decreased from 65.18° for neat membrane to 50.5° for the modified ones. All mixed matrix membranes showed higher water flux compared to pristine membrane that measured 3.14 (L/m2 h) for bare membrane and 9.96 (L/m2 h) for the superior ones. Salt rejection measured 82% for the pristine membrane whereas that was between 77%-90% for the nanocomposite membranes. Membrane tensile strength also improved by increase of composite NPs ratio into the polymer matrix. The nanocomposite membranes showed more BSA solution flux and outstanding antifouling properties compared to bare ones. The FRR measured ∼46.2% for bare membrane whereas that was (∼69.9% to ∼89.5%) for the nanocomposite membranes.