Fabrication of PVA coated PES/PVDF nanocomposite membranes embedded with in situ formed magnetite nanoparticles for removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions

Abstract

In this study, a series of nanocomposite membranes was prepared by coating a porous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/polyethersulfone (PES) support containing 8-hydroxyquinoline (as a complexing agent) with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite solution. Nanocomposite solutions were prepared via in situ formation of magnetite nanoparticles in a polymeric solution containing PVA using a simple chemical method. The prepared membranes were applied for the removal of Pb(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) ions from water. The effects of membrane modification, filler loading and initial feed concentration on the membrane performance for removal of metal ions were investigated. The results indicated that the presence of 8-hydroxyquinoline and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles in the membrane structure enhanced ion rejection. The prepared samples were characterized by several techniques including scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, overall porosity and water contact angle measurements. SEM images indicated an appropriate distribution of nanoparticles in the polymeric matrix. Sequential filtration/regeneration experiments confirmed that the modified membranes can be readily regenerated and reused.