We explored a novel strategy to improve the performance (water flux, solute rejection, and fouling resistance) of ultrafiltration membranes by incorporating graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets into the polysulfone membrane matrix.  Specifically, ultrafiltration membranes were synthesized by a phase inversion process using a polysulfone solution with different weight percentages (0.1 wt% to 3 wt%) of GO as additives.  Membrane performance tests showed that the water permeability was increased by 10% - 60% while the rejection of polyethylene glycol (PEG) remained the same.  Preliminary experiments suggested that these membranes also had improved biofouling resistance, a direct result of the enhanced hydrophilicity and antimicrobial property introduced by GO.  Characterization of the physicochemical properties of the synthesized membranes by various techniques (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and water contact angle measurement) is ongoing to understand the improved performance.

Incorporation of graphene oxide into the polysulfone matrix to enhance the performance of ultrafiltration membranes

246th National Meeting (2013)

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