Effect of polymer type on characterization and filtration performances of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)-COOH-based polymeric mixed matrix membranes

• Published in: Environmental technology Vol. 39; no. 10; pp. 1226 - 1237
• Main Authors: Sengur-Tasdemir, Reyhan, Mokkapati, Venkata R. S. S., Koseoglu-Imer, Derya Y., Koyuncu, Ismail
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 19.05.2018; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Activated sludge; Atomic force microscopy; Contact angle; Data processing; Dextran; E coli; Electron microscopy; Escherichia coli; Fabrication; Filtration; membrane fabrication; Membranes; Membranes, Artificial; mixed matrix membrane; Morphology; Multi wall carbon nanotubes; Multi-walled carbon nanotube; MWCNT-COOH; Nanotechnology; Nanotubes; Nanotubes, Carbon; Performance tests; Polyethersulfones; Polymers; Scanning electron microscopy; Surface properties; Ultrasonic testing; Water Purification; Xanthan; Xanthan gum; mixed matrix membrane; filtration; Multi-walled carbon nanotube; membrane fabrication; MWCNT-COOH
• ISSN: 0959-3330; 1479-487X; 1479-487X
• DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2017.1325409

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can be used for the fabrication of mixed matrix polymeric membranes that can enhance filtration perfomances of the membranes by modifying membrane surface properties. In this study, detailed characterization and filtration performances of MWCNTs functionalized with COOH group, blended into polymeric flat-sheet membranes were investigated using different polymer types. Morphological characterization was carried out using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and contact angle measurements. For filtration performance tests, protein, dextran, E. coli suspension, Xanthan Gum and real activated sludge solutions were used. Experimental data and analyses revealed that Polyethersulfone (PES) + MWCNT-COOH mixed matrix membranes have superior performance abilities compared to other tested membranes.