Superwetting polyethersulfone membrane functionalized with ZrO2 nanoparticles for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon removal. (30th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Xiujuan; Huang, Guohe; An, Chunjiang; Feng, Renfei; Wu, Yinghui; Huang, Charley
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials science & technology. Volume 98(2022)
• Page Start: 14
• Page End: 25
• Publication Date: 2022-01-30
• Subjects: Superwetting nanofiltration membrane -- Nano-ZrO2 self-assembly -- Synchrotron-based analyses -- PAH removal; Metals -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; Materials science; Metals; Periodicals; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2021.01.063
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1005-0302

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: A superwetting PES-PAA-ZrO2 nanofiltration membrane was proposed for PAH removal. The initial water contact angle was less than 10° and dropped to 0° within 1 s. The wastewater treatment efficiency was increased by about 4 times. The mechanism of ZrO2 immobilization was revealed through synchrotron-based analysis. Abstract: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent and widespread in the aquatic environment, causing potential hazards for human health. In this study, a superwetting and robust PES-PAA-ZrO2 nanofiltration membrane was proposed through surface modification for PAH removal with high efficiency. A ZrO2 coating was formed on polyethersulfone (PES) membrane surface through chemical bonding, thus the PES-PAA-ZrO2 membrane exhibited super-hydrophilicity, under-water oleophobicity, and excellent stability. In comparison with the original PES membrane, the water contact angle of the modified membrane was significantly decreased from about 50° to less than 10°, and quickly dropped to 0° within 1 s. This provided a much lower energy barrier for water permeation due to its super-high water affinity. The wastewater treatment efficiency was increased by about 4 times after modification with more than 90% of PAH rejection rate. The excellent robustness of PES-PAA-ZrO2 membrane was verified under various conditions, which gave the membrane practical potential for long-term operation.