pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S05 - Polymer Fiber, Films, and Membranes
Keynote Presentation
 
 

Fabrication of novel nanocomposites as modifiers in polyethersulfone UF/NF membranes for wasterwater reclamation

Matebese Funeka motlhaletsi (1), moutloali richard motlhaletsi (1)*

(1) university of johannesburg - gauteng - SouthAfrica

Herein, zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (MOF) are both incorporated into graphene oxide (GO) sheets (UiO-66-NH2@GO) to make modifiers for polyethersulfone (PES) membranes, for used in wastewater treatment, specifically greywater (GW). GW is a practical and tangible alternative water resource for potable and non-potable uses. It has been treated using activated sludge, rotating biological contractors, artificial wetlands, etc.; due to the setbacks such as high energy consumption, high costs and large footprint needed for these systems it is paramount to develop GW treatment systems that are simple to operate and maintain, low-cost and produce quality effluent to encourage GW reuse. The membrane-based systems require less footprint and with the development of membrane materials and decreased membrane price, this system can achieve GW treatment efficiency with economic feasibility. In this work, the nanocomposites (UiO-66-NH2@GO) was synthesized and fully characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Branuett Emmett Teller (BET), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), etc. The performance of the UiO-66-NH2@GO/PES membranes was evaluated for pure water flux, surface fouling and solute rejection. These new UiO-66-NH2@GO/PES nanocomposite membranes exhibit improved performance properties under simulated conditions. Typical wastewater from the shower drain is being used and results thereof will form the basis of the presentation.