SiO2 nanoparticles as good material to modification of polyethyleneimine-based nanofiltration membranes for dye removal from aqueous solution

Thin film composite nanofiltration membranes were fabricated by interfacial polymerization of polyethyleneimine and triphthaloyldechloride on top surface of the polysulfone substrate. SiO2 nanoparticles were added to the aqueous solution with different content for modification of PEI-based NF membrane. Fourier transform infrared spectra of membranes showed the new functional groups on the surface of membrane due to the presence of SiO2 nanoparticles. The contact angle measurement confirmed the improvement on the hydrophilic properties of the surface. Scanning Electron Microscope images showed that the SiO2 nanoparticles well dispersed on the surface structure of the modified membranes. The roughness parameters indicated that the surface of the fabricated membranes became rougher after adding SiO2 nanoparticles. The fabricated membranes were examined by filtration of crystal violet aqueous solution. By adding SiO2 nanoparticles, the membrane performanceshowed growing trend in case of flux, but for rejection a slight decrease was observed at first, then it was changed to growing trend by the further increasing amount of SiO2 nanoparticles.

Keywords:

Nanofiltration membranes , Interfacial polymerization , Polyethyleneimine , SiO2 nanoparticles