The efficacy of Fe-doped ZrO2 nanoparticles as a supplement in polysulfone membranes for toxic dye removal

Abstract

ZrO<inf>2</inf> nanoparticles fine-tuned with iron doping (5%Fe-ZrO<inf>2</inf>) were incorporated by the phase inversion method as a supplement in polysulfone (PSf) membrane medium for dye rejection. The prepared nanocomposite membranes were examined using a variety of characterisation techniques. The findings showed that adding 5%Fe-ZrO<inf>2</inf> nanoparticles into the membrane matrix improved its permeability by reducing the contact angle and increasing hydrophilicity. The PSf nanocomposite membrane containing 1 wt% of 5%Fe-ZrO<inf>2</inf> (M<inf>2</inf>) was found to exhibit a dye rejection efficiency of 99% for Eriochrome black-T (EBT) and 98% for Methylene blue (MB), with a flux of 10.2 ±1 LMH. The manufactured membranes can reject dyes and offer commendable productivity and selectivity, making them a popular choice for membrane applications. © 2024 The Institution of Chemical Engineers