Issue 9, 2025

Preparation of Co3O4/PES composite nanofiltration membranes for efficient anti-fouling and dye removal

Abstract

Nanofiltration membranes are nowadays widely being used for dye wastewater treatment. However, the membranes often undergo significant and undesirable fouling during wastewater treatment. Herein, Co3O4/PES composite nanofiltration membranes with anti-fouling capability were successfully prepared by loading Co3O4 nanocubes into the polyethersulfone (PES) matrix by non-solvent induced phase inversion. Incorporation of Co3O4 nanocubes into the PES matrix improved the separation performance and anti-fouling capability of the membranes. The resultant membranes showed a high water flux (176.65 L m−2 h−1) and excellent rejection for several dyes (Direct red 23, Methyl blue, and Congo red: 65.03–98.9%). Prominently, the optimized Co3O4/PES-0.75 composite nanofiltration membrane exhibited a FRR of 83.5%. More significantly, the peroxomonosulfate (PMS) treated nanofiltration composite membrane showed good reusability with a higher FRR (91.5%). The method proposed in the current study may provide a valuable insight for solving membrane fouling problems in the nanofiltration process of organic pollutant separation.

Graphical abstract: Preparation of Co3O4/PES composite nanofiltration membranes for efficient anti-fouling and dye removal

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
10 Dec 2024
Accepted
24 Jan 2025
First published
27 Jan 2025

New J. Chem., 2025,49, 3496-3506

Preparation of Co3O4/PES composite nanofiltration membranes for efficient anti-fouling and dye removal

A. Xie, Y. Wu, J. Xu, Q. Li, J. Cui and C. Li, New J. Chem., 2025, 49, 3496 DOI: 10.1039/D4NJ05284F

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