Mercapto functionalized–natural zeolites/PVDF mixed matrix membrane for enhanced removal of methylene blue

• Published in: Inorganic chemistry communications Vol. 157; p. 111263
• Main Authors: Kadja, Grandprix T.M., Dwihermiati, Elsa, Sagita, Fuja, Mukhoibibah, Kholifatul, Umam, Khairul, Ledyastuti, Mia, Radiman, Cynthia L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.11.2023
• Subjects: Filtration; Mixed-matrix membrane; Natural zeolites; PVDF; Filtration; Mixed-matrix membrane; Natural zeolites; PVDF
• ISSN: 1387-7003; 1879-0259
• DOI: 10.1016/j.inoche.2023.111263

[Display omitted] •The PVDF/Mercapto-NZ mixed matrix membranes were prepared by the inversion phase method.•The surface modification of zeolite using MPTMS as a bridging agent enhanced the compatibility between PVDF and zeolite.•MPTMS can be covalently bonded to the outer space of NZ and interact with PVDF through thiol groups.•A concentration of 0.75% Mercapto-NZ showed excellent results with high permeability and selectivity. Azo dye-containing wastewater is one of the most critical contaminants due to modern industrial activities, especially in the textile industry. Membrane technology has been the most prominent separation technique to alleviate these pollutants with less energy input and less raw material utilization. In this sense, zeolite-based mixed matrix membranes have offered increased filtration performance as they combine the favorable properties of polymeric membranes, molecular sieving, and the negative charge properties of zeolites. The crucial challenge is the compatibility of the inorganic filler and the polymer matrix to boost flux and rejection; otherwise, both will be dramatically compensated. Herein, low-cost natural zeolites were functionalized using mercapto silane ((3-mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane) agent and incorporated into porous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The resulting mixed matrix membranes showed significantly higher rejection (97.01%) and flux (37.14 L m−2h−1) compared to those of pristine PVDF membrane (rejection and flux of 82.78% and 24.05 L m−2h−1, respectively). These positive results are due to the compatibility between the mercapto-functionalized natural zeolites and PVDF matrix. In the absence of mercapto groups, the rejection could be enhanced, but the permeability decreased. In addition, the antifouling properties of the mercapto functionalized–natural zeolites/PVDF mixed matrix membrane is desirable, as indicated by the higher flux recovery ratio and lower reversible and irreversible fouling.