Removal of As(V), Cr(VI) and Cu(II) using novel amine functionalized composite nanofiltration membranes fabricated on ceramic tubular substrate

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials Vol. 399; p. 122841
• Main Authors: Roy, Sanjukta, Majumdar, Swachchha, Sahoo, Ganesh C, Bhowmick, Subhamoy, Kundu, Amit K, Mondal, Priyanka
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.11.2020
• Subjects: Amine functionalization; Composite membrane; Heavy metal; Nanofiltration; Removal; Removal; Amine functionalization; Nanofiltration; Composite membrane; Heavy metal
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122841

[Display omitted] •Amine functionalized composite membranes were prepared on tubular ceramic support.•Prepared NF membranes showed high removal efficiency of As(V), Cr(VI) and Cu(II).•EDTA modified membrane showed lower pore size and increased hydrophilicity.•XPS study confirms partial reduction of heavy metals on membrane surface.•The membrane is promising to treat heavy metal contaminated waste water. Novel amine functionalized composite membranes were prepared over tubular ceramic substrate using facile dip-coating and cross-flow filtration approach. The two fabricated membranes, P-60S and P-60S-EDTA with polyethyleneimine (PEI) and EDTA-modified PEI as functional layers respectively, were characterized in terms of EDX, FTIR, XPS, FESEM, AFM and contact angle analyses which confirmed their stable physical and chemical structure for use in high pressure application. Clean water permeability and MWCO study revealed the superior permeability and rejection efficiency of the P-60S-EDTA compared to the P-60S membrane. Incorporation of bulky EDTA molecules in the membrane functional layer simultaneously decreased pore size and increased membrane hydrophilicity. The removal of As(V), Cr(VI) and Cu(II) heavy metals by both membranes were found to be highly pH dependent and overall rejection improved in case of P-60S-EDTA membrane [99.82% for Cu(II), 96.75% for As(V) and 97.22% for Cr(VI)]. Interestingly, rejection of As(V) and Cr(VI) was significantly improved in presence of Cu(II) due to volume resistance provided by EDTA-Cu(II) complex towards the passage of other heavy metal ions. Excellent stability of P-60S-EDTA membrane in continuous operation of 36 h in both ideal and practical water environment suggests its promising application in real field heavy metal contaminated waste water treatment.