Fabrication and Assessment of ZnO Modified Polyethersulfone Membranes for Fouling Reduction of Bovine Serum Albumin. (19th January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dipheko, Tshepo Duncan; Matabola, Kgabo Philemon; Kotlhao, Kate; Moutloali, Richard M.; Klink, Michael
• Other Names: Rivas Bernabé L. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of polymer science. Volume 2017(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-01-19
• Subjects: Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymers; Periodicals; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1155/2017/3587019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-9422

Abstract

Abstract : ZnO/PES composite membranes were fabricated by phase inversion method using DMAc as a solvent. The structure of ZnO was investigated using TEM, SEM, XRD, and TGA. TEM images of ZnO nanoparticles were well-defined, small, and spherically shaped with agglomerated nanoparticles particles of 50 nm. The SEM and XRD results were an indication that ZnO nanoparticles were present in the prepared ZnO/PES composites membranes. Contact angle measurements were used to investigate surface structures of the composite membranes. The amount of ZnO nanoparticles on PES membranes was varied to obtain the optimal performance of the composite membranes in terms of pure water flux, flux recovery, and fouling resistance using the protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model organic foulant. The results showed that addition of ZnO to PES membranes improved the hydrophilicity, permeation, and fouling resistance properties of the membranes. Pure water flux increased from a low of 250 L/m 2 h for the neat membrane to a high of 410 L/m 2 h for the composite membranes. A high flux recovery of 80–94% was obtained for the composite membranes. The optimal performance of the composite membranes was obtained at 1.5 wt% of ZnO.