Cu removal from wastewater using a polyethersulfone- graphene oxide nanoparticles functionalized with chitosan membrane

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Chemical Engineering, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Fars, Iran;

2 Department of Chemical Engineering, Darab Branch, Islamic Azad University, Darab, Fars, Iran;

Abstract

In this study, graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles were synthesized from a graphite precursor using a simplified Hummer method, and their surfaces were functionalized with chitosan to improve their dispersion and compatibility with the polymer matrix. The functionalized nanoparticles were then incorporated into polyethersulphone (PES) membranes to enhance their properties and provide mixed-matrix membranes. For the fabrication of the polyethersulfone membranes and their performance, an experimental design was performed using Minitab 17 software, applying the Taguchi method with an L9 orthogonal array. The parameters influencing membrane performance, including the polymer and GO concentrations in the membrane casting solution and operating pressure during the separation process, were selected at three levels. The results showed that increasing the polymer concentration enhanced Cu removal but reduced the permeate flux, whereas higher pressure increased the flux but decreased the separation efficiency. In addition, contour plots representing the permeate flux and Cu removal% as a function of the polymer concentration and the operating pressure indicated that the maximum Cu removal (> 70 wt. %) occurred within the pressure range of 6 to 6.2 bar and polymer concentration of 18 to 20 wt.% in the casting solution.

Graphical Abstract

Cu removal from wastewater using a polyethersulfone- graphene oxide nanoparticles functionalized with chitosan membrane

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Advances in Environmental Technology
Volume 11, Issue 3
July 2025
Pages 329-340

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History

  • Receive Date: 24 November 2024
  • Revise Date: 16 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 29 April 2025

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