Preparation and characterization of novel PSf/PVP/PANI-nanofiber nanocomposite hollow fiber ultrafiltration membranes and their possible applications for hazardous dye rejection

In the present study, PANI (polyaniline)-nanofibers were synthesized by interfacial polymerization technique, dispersed in n-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) solvent and blended with PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone)/PSf (Polysulfone) for preparing the novel hollow fiber membrane by dry–wet spinning technique. The newly prepared nanocomposite ultrafiltration hollow fiber membrane is characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Contact Angle, Zeta Potential and Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). Filtration studies are conducted to measure the membrane pure water flux (PWF), rejection of hazardous dye (Reactive Red 120) and fouling resistance. The maximum rejections are obtained for M 0.5 membrane with 99.25% rejection of RR120 hazardous dye at 2bar pressure. The pure water flux, percentage rejection, antifouling property and thermal resistance increased with an increase in PANI-nanofiber concentration. The contact angle of the membrane decreased with increasing PANI-nanofiber concentration, which indicated increased hydrophilicity of the new membranes. In this study, novel nanocomposite hollow fiber membranes were spun by dry–wet process incorporating PANI (polyaniline)-nanofibers and PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone) into Polysulfone (PSf). The novel nanocomposite membrane was extensively studied for its morphology, hydrophilicity, surface charge, thermal stability, porosity and membrane hydraulic resistance. The membranes showed maximum rejection of 99.25% for hazardous dye Reactive Red 120 (RR120) at 300ppm concentration when subjected to a pressure of 2 Kg/cm2. [Display omitted] •Polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers were synthesized by interfacial polymerization technique.•PANI nanofibres blended with PVP and PSf and hollow fiber membranes were prepared.•Novel hollow fiber membranes were characterized by various techniques.•Filtration studies were performed and rejection of hazardous dye Reactive Red 120 was found to be 99.25%.