Multifunctional Graphene Oxide (GO) membranes were fabricated with an aim to integrate advanced oxidation reactions with membrane-based separation for removal of persistent halogenated organics from water. One of the desired features of the nanocomposite GO membranes was to separate larger organics before catalytic oxidation of target chlorinated organic contaminants to prevent the formation of undesired chlorinated by-products. Layer by layer (LBL) assembly approach was used to fabricate a composite membrane consisting of GO (top)-Polyacrylic acid-GO composite (Middle)-GO (bottom) layers, followed by in-situ synthesis of the iron-based nanoparticle. TEM characterization of the GO layers showed successful immobilization of iron in the polyacrylic acid functionalized domain. The membrane had moderate to low salt retention with a pure water permeability of 3 LMH/bar. Nanocomposite GO membranes also retained natural organic matter, exhibiting 80% removal of humic acids. Sulfate free radical-mediated oxidative pathway was pursued for the removal of trichloroethylene (TCE). Nanocomposite GO membrane exhibited stable catalytic performance decomposing more than 95% of feed (2 mM) persulfate at an operating flux of 0.6 LMH. Nanocomposite membranes catalytically oxidized Trichloroethylene (TCE), degrading 60% TCE at 0.5 bar in the presence of 2 mM persulfate. Application of the nanocomposite GO membranes was further extended to investigate the removal of Perfluoroalkyl substances. Nanocomposite membranes achieved 80% removal of 1 ppm perfluorooctanoic (model compound) primarily driven by charge based exclusion.

Fe-Pd-embedded graphene oxide-based catalytic membranes for removal of perfluoroalkyl substances and chlorinated organics from water

2019 Fall National Meeting

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