Browsing by Author "Lau, W.J."

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Novel mixed matrix membranes incorporated with dual-nanofillers for enhanced oil-water separation
(2017) Lai, G.S.; Yusob, M.H.M.; Lau, W.J.; Gohari, R.J.; Emadzadeh, D.; Ismail, A.F.; Goh, P.S.; Isloor, A.M.; Arzhandi, M.R.-D.
In this work, a new type of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) composed of dual-nanofillers at different ratios of hydrous manganese oxide (HMO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) was fabricated with the objective of improving properties of polyethersulfone (PSF)-based membrane for oil-water separation process. The morphology and surface chemistry of the resultant MMMs were characterized by several analytical instruments, i.e., SEM-EDX, contact angle goniometer and FTIR spectrometer prior to separation performance evaluation using oily solution composed of 500 or 2000 ppm. The results showed that the membrane surface hydrophilicity was greatly improved upon addition of hydrophilic nanofillers and HMO in particular showed greater extent of hydrophilicity enhancement owing to the fact that it is associated with higher amount of [sbnd]OH functional groups compared to TiO2. The improved surface hydrophilicity coupled with formation of long finger-like voids in the membrane structure are the main factors leading to greater water flux of MMMs in comparison to control PES membrane. MMM2 (membrane made of HMO:TiO2ratio of 0.75:0.25) and MMM4 (HMO:TiO2ratio of 0.25:0.75) in particular were the best two performing nanofillers-incorporated membranes owing to their good balance between water flux and oil removal rate. They achieved 31.73% and 26.41% higher water flux than that of the control membrane without sacrificing oil removal rate. Most importantly, these nanofillers-incorporated membranes showed significantly lower degree of flux decline as a result of improved surface resistance against oil fouling and are of potential for long-term operation with extended lifespan. 2017 Elsevier B.V.
Novel mixed matrix membranes incorporated with dual-nanofillers for enhanced oil-water separation
(Elsevier B.V., 2017) Lai, G.S.; Yusob, M.H.M.; Lau, W.J.; Jamshidi Gohari, R.J.; Emadzadeh, D.; A.F., A.F.; Goh, P.S.; Isloor, A.M.; Arzhandi, M.R.-D.
In this work, a new type of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) composed of dual-nanofillers at different ratios of hydrous manganese oxide (HMO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) was fabricated with the objective of improving properties of polyethersulfone (PSF)-based membrane for oil-water separation process. The morphology and surface chemistry of the resultant MMMs were characterized by several analytical instruments, i.e., SEM-EDX, contact angle goniometer and FTIR spectrometer prior to separation performance evaluation using oily solution composed of 500 or 2000 ppm. The results showed that the membrane surface hydrophilicity was greatly improved upon addition of hydrophilic nanofillers and HMO in particular showed greater extent of hydrophilicity enhancement owing to the fact that it is associated with higher amount of [sbnd]OH functional groups compared to TiO2. The improved surface hydrophilicity coupled with formation of long finger-like voids in the membrane structure are the main factors leading to greater water flux of MMMs in comparison to control PES membrane. MMM2 (membrane made of HMO:TiO2ratio of 0.75:0.25) and MMM4 (HMO:TiO2ratio of 0.25:0.75) in particular were the best two performing nanofillers-incorporated membranes owing to their good balance between water flux and oil removal rate. They achieved 31.73% and 26.41% higher water flux than that of the control membrane without sacrificing oil removal rate. Most importantly, these nanofillers-incorporated membranes showed significantly lower degree of flux decline as a result of improved surface resistance against oil fouling and are of potential for long-term operation with extended lifespan. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.
Preparation of polysulfone-based PANI-TiO2 nanocomposite hollow fiber membranes for industrial dye rejection applications
(2016) Pereira, V.R.; Isloor, A.M.; Zulhairun, A.K.; Subramaniam, M.N.; Lau, W.J.; Ismail, A.F.
Polysulfone-based polyaniline-TiO2 containing hollow fiber membranes were prepared via a dry wet spinning method. Polyaniline (PANI) coated TiO2 nanotubes were prepared via chemical oxidative polymerisation and were incorporated into the hollow fiber membranes at different compositions. The hollow fibers were fabricated by varying the air gap distance during the spinning process. The effects of the addition of PANI coated TiO2 and the variation in the air gap distance on membrane performance, such as morphology and the permeability of the membranes, were analysed. The addition of the PANI-TiO2 nanocomposite enhanced the hydrophilicity and antifouling ability of the prepared membranes. The polysulfone hollow fiber membranes were examined for their dye rejection of Reactive Black 5 and Reactive Orange 16. The results indicated that the polysulfone hollow fibers containing 1.0 wt% of PANI-TiO2 fabricated using a 5 cm air gap can be used as a potential candidate for industrial dye rejection and showed a maximum rejection of 81.5% and 96.5% for Reactive Black 5 and Reactive Orange 16, respectively. 2016 Royal Society of Chemistry.
Preparation of polysulfone-based PANI-TiO2 nanocomposite hollow fiber membranes for industrial dye rejection applications
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2016) Pereira, V.R.; Isloor, A.M.; Zulhairun, A.K.; Subramaniam, M.N.; Lau, W.J.; A.F., A.F.
Polysulfone-based polyaniline-TiO2 containing hollow fiber membranes were prepared via a dry wet spinning method. Polyaniline (PANI) coated TiO2 nanotubes were prepared via chemical oxidative polymerisation and were incorporated into the hollow fiber membranes at different compositions. The hollow fibers were fabricated by varying the air gap distance during the spinning process. The effects of the addition of PANI coated TiO2 and the variation in the air gap distance on membrane performance, such as morphology and the permeability of the membranes, were analysed. The addition of the PANI-TiO2 nanocomposite enhanced the hydrophilicity and antifouling ability of the prepared membranes. The polysulfone hollow fiber membranes were examined for their dye rejection of Reactive Black 5 and Reactive Orange 16. The results indicated that the polysulfone hollow fibers containing 1.0 wt% of PANI-TiO2 fabricated using a 5 cm air gap can be used as a potential candidate for industrial dye rejection and showed a maximum rejection of 81.5% and 96.5% for Reactive Black 5 and Reactive Orange 16, respectively. © 2016 Royal Society of Chemistry.