Polydopamine functionalized halloysite nanotubes incorporated polyethersulfone hollow fiber membranes for the removal of arsenic (as-v) from water

Abstract

Polyethersulfone (PES) based hollow fiber membranes containing polydopamine-functionalized halloysite nanotubes (FHNTs) were fabricated in different concentrations employing a dry-wet approach and using phase inversion methodology. Thus, the prepared nanocomposite hollow fiber membranes were characterized using FE-SEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy), AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy), ATR-IR, Zeta Potential, and contact angle for studying membrane surface morphology, topography, presence of functional groups, surface charge, and hydrophilicity, respectively. Filtration studies such as pure water permeability, fouling resistance, and heavy metal rejection (arsenic) were performed at a 2 bar pressure. It was found that as the concentration of FHNTs increased in the membrane, the pure water flux also increased, indicating an increase in hydrophilicity. The membrane PPD-4, with the highest percentage of FHNTs, showed the maximum heavy metal removal. It was confirmed by the values of arsenic removal by the membranes containing FHNTs at 0 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.6 wt%, and 1 wt% that were found to be 24.80%, 33.18%, 35.54%, and 39.65%, respectively. © 2024 Advances in Environmental Technology (AET).