Effect study of hexagonal mesoporous silica/polyaniline nanocomposite on the structural properties of polysulfone membranes and its heavy metal removal efficiency

ABSTRACT

New mixed matrix membranes of polysulfone were synthesized by different content of hexagonal mesoporous silica coated by polyaniline and used for nickel and lead ion removal. The membranes were characterized by FESEM, XRD, BET, TGA, and FTIR, and zeta potential measurements. The results showed that PANi/HMS particles enhanced the membrane porosity and permeability. These effects were explained according to an increase of the membrane hydrophilicity due to the formation of new functional groups during membrane casting. The results showed that metal ion rejection was performed by a filtration–adsorption mechanism, resulting in fixation of metal ions on the active sites of membranes.

KEYWORDS:

• Heavy metal ions
• mixed matrix membrane
• nanocomposite
• polysulfone

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Mr. Halakoie from Laboratory of membrane in University of Kashan.

Funding

This research was supported by Qaemshahr Branch of Islamic Azed University (IAU).

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by Qaemshahr Branch of Islamic Azed University (IAU).