Activated-Carbon-Doped Non-Solvent-Induced Phase-Inversion Membranes: A Comprehensive Study on Synthesis, Characterisation, and Performance Evaluation

Raúl Mompó-Curell (), Simbarashe Biti, Alicia Iborra-Clar, María Isabel Iborra-Clar, Esperanza M. Garcia-Castello and Claudia Fernández-Martín
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Raúl Mompó-Curell: Research Institute for Industrial Radiophysical and Environmental Safety (ISIRYM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Simbarashe Biti: Chemical Processes and Materials Engineering Group, School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
Alicia Iborra-Clar: Research Institute for Industrial Radiophysical and Environmental Safety (ISIRYM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
María Isabel Iborra-Clar: Research Institute for Industrial Radiophysical and Environmental Safety (ISIRYM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Esperanza M. Garcia-Castello: Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Claudia Fernández-Martín: Chemical Processes and Materials Engineering Group, School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 3, 1-20

Abstract: Wastewater treatment often enables discharge into natural water bodies, but for effective reuse, further treatment is essential. Membrane processes provide a precise solution yet face limitations due to fouling and organic material adsorption, impacting their performance. This study focuses on synthesising ultrafiltration membranes using non-solvent-induced phase separation. These membranes are produced from a Polyethersulfone/N,N′-dimethylacetanamide (PES/DMA) solution with varying concentrations of three commercial powdered activated carbons (ACs). The membranes undergo comprehensive analysis, revealing different behaviours based on AC type and concentration in the active layer. Among the membranes, Norit R with 0.5 wt.% concentration exhibits the highest polyethylene glycol (PEG) rejection, with an impressive rejection index (R) of 80.34% and permeability coefficient of 219.29 (L·m −2 ·h −1 ·bar −1 ). AC-enhanced membranes display superior selectivity compared to non-doped PES membranes. This work highlights the significant influence of AC textural properties, specifically specific surface area, total micropore volume, and average micropore width, on membrane performance, particularly the rejection index.

Keywords: powder activated carbon; non-solvent-induced phase-inversion membranes; membrane characterisation; wastewater treatment; organic fouling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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