TiO2 nanosheet incorporated polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes for dye removal

Abstract

Incorporation of nanomaterials in polymeric membranes is an effective means to improve membrane performance. In the present work, a novel additive TiO<inf>2</inf> nanosheet was incorporated in polysulfone membrane. TiO<inf>2</inf> nanosheets were synthesised by hydro-thermal method and blended with polysulfone to give nanocomposite membranes. The membranes performance was evaluated via pure water flux, bovine serum albumin rejection and anti fouling studies. Further the membranes were subjected to dye rejection application using Congo red and Rhodamine-B dyes. The membranes were characterised using scanning electron microscopy; X-ray diffraction and contact angle measurement. The nanocomposite membranes exhibited superior permeation, anti fouling and dye rejection traits. © 2018 Desalination Publications. All rights reserved.