New polypropylene supported chitosan NF-membrane for desalination application

Abstract

In the present study, a new NF membrane was prepared by coating chitosan on polypropylene fiber support, by the dissolution of chitosan in 2% acetic acid solution. The resulting membrane was characterized by thermo gravimetric analysis, water absorption, contact angle measurement and scanning electron microscopy. Prepared membrane showed two Tg peaks, one at ~90 °C that was due to chitosan and the other peak at ~170 °C that was corresponding to the supporting polypropylene membrane. The membrane showed a low swelling ratio at pH 7, 9, and 11 as compared with pH 5. The performance of the membrane was assessed out using dead end cell. Water flux was studied at different pressures. The salt rejection study was done using NaCl solution and the effect of pH on performance of the membrane was also examined. Newly prepared membrane showed improved water flux, and % of rejection is highest in acidic pH and lowest in basic pH. Hydrulic permeability coefficient and the dielectric constant confirms that the prepared membrane is nanofiltration membrane. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.