Functionalized Halloysite Nanotubes and Graphene Oxide Nanosheets Fillers Incorporated in UF Membranes for Oil/Water Separation

Novel ultrafiltration mixed matrix membranes combined by dual nanofillers Graphene Oxide + Functionalized Halloysite Nanotubes (GO/FHNTs) were prepared. In this work, we improved the performance and properties of polycarbonate-based membranes for oil/water separation applications. The morphology and other properties of the fabricated membranes were characterized by different analytical method including Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle goniometer, and mechanical strength apparatus. The obtained results confirmed that addition of GO/FHNTs had a positive effect on hydrophilicity and tensile strength. Also, the water permeation of the optimum GO۰.۲۵-FHNT۰.۷۵ membrane was about ۲.۵ times more than pure polycarbonate. Overall results showed that all membranes reached ۱۰۰% oil separation efficiency at various ultrafiltration times. Furthermore, the optimum membrane showed a flux recovery ratio of more than ۹۰% where the permeate fluxes of feed solutions with ۱۰۰ ppm and ۲۰۰ ppm olive oil concentrations were reduced to only about ۵.۵% and ۶% after three regeneration cycles, respectively.

Keywords:

Dual nanofillers , Graphene Oxide Nanomaterials , SDS-functionalized Halloysite Nanotubes , Polycarbonate polymer