Water is an essential resource for both individual consumption and industrial uses in the rapidly developing world. Water pollution is detrimental to the environment and can cause dramatic health issues. Because of this increasing need for uncontaminated water, many researchers investigate water reuse options. Membrane technology is an inseparable part of contaminated water treatment and has received great attention. Despite the advantages of membranes, the high energy demand of the separation process remains a challenge. Many studies have been carried out to enhance the water permeability of the membranes without sacrificing the retention of the contaminants. For example, different types of nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene oxide (GO), were incorporated in the polymer matrix to increase their flux. However, the applicability of such matrices were limited due to the incompatibility of the nanomaterials and polymer matrix and high cost of these nanomaterials. On the other hand, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) are highly hydrophilic, sustainable, and readily available, with high aspect ratio.<br/><br/>This study involves the fabrication of CNF-embedded nanocomposite membranes using cellulose acetate as the polymer matrix and the CNF as the filler to create nanochannels for preferential water flow. We found that incorporation of CNF into the membrane matrix enhances both its pure water flux and antifouling properties. It was also observed that as the CNF concentration in the membrane matrix increased the zeta potential value decreased and the membrane surface became more negatively-charged. The more negatively-charged surface exerts more electrostatic repulsion between the membrane surface and the contaminants in wastewater and decreases the fouling tendency of the membrane. In addition, data collected shows higher CNF concentration facilitates higher water permeability. To understand the mechanism behind the enhancement in the performance of the membranes, we have characterized the pristine and nanocomposite membranes by several techniques, such as molecular weight cut-off, SEM, FTIR, and contact angle.

High flux nanocellulose-embedded mixed matrix membranes

2019 Spring National Meeting

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