Synthesis of polyethersulfone/titanium dioxide membranes: analysis of morphology, mechanical properties, and water filtration performance

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2024.316523

Keywords:

antifouling, fabrication, filtration, membranes, permeability, polyethersulfone, titanium dioxide

Abstract

The increasing demand for clean water, driven by population growth, urbanization, and industrial activities, has led to significant challenges in public health, the economy, and the environment. Effective water purification technologies are essential to address this issue. This study explores using polyethersulfone (PES) polymer-based membranes reinforced with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles for antifouling applications. The membranes were fabricated using an electric field treatment method. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed a pore size distribution between 1,170 μm and 7,122 μm, demonstrating that this method can be adjusted to create membranes with specific filtration characteristics. Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) analysis showed surface roughness between 150 and 500 nm, indicating that the membrane's surface morphology can be customized to improve performance. Mechanical testing showed that the tensile strength of the membranes varied with the addition of TiO2: the pure PES membrane (TI0) had a tensile strength of 2.12 MPa, while the TI1 membrane (20 % PES, 1 % TiO2) exhibited a decrease to 1.84 MPa. The TI2 membrane (30 % PES, 1 % TiO2) showed an increase in tensile strength to 3.86 MPa, confirming the reinforcing effect of TiO2 on the membrane's mechanical properties. Clean Water Permeability (CWP) testing indicated flux values of 2558.9 L/m2·h·bar for TI0, 1263.1 L/m2·h·bar for TI1, and 2763.9 L/m2·h·bar for TI2, highlighting the optimal balance of mechanical strength and permeability in TI2. The PES/TiO2 composite membrane, made using an electric field method, shows promise for water filtration due to its enhanced permeability, providing an efficient solution for water treatment

Author Biographies

Agung Mataram, Universitas Sriwijaya

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Associate Professor

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Aneka Firdaus, Universitas Sriwijaya

Master of Engineering, Lecturer

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Muhammad Yanis, Universitas Sriwijaya

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Associate Professor

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Rahma Dani, Universitas Sriwijaya

Master of Physics Education, Student

Department of Physics Education

Subriyer Nasir, Universitas Sriwijaya

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Professor

Department of Chemical Engineering

Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Professor

Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC)

Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Professor

Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC)

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Synthesis of polyethersulfone/titanium dioxide membranes: analysis of morphology, mechanical properties, and water filtration performance

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Published

2024-12-30

How to Cite

Mataram, A., Firdaus, A., Yanis, M., Dani, R., Nasir, S., Ismail, A. F., & Othman, M. H. D. (2024). Synthesis of polyethersulfone/titanium dioxide membranes: analysis of morphology, mechanical properties, and water filtration performance. Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies, 6(6 (132), 16–25. https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2024.316523

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 6 (132) (2024): Technology organic and inorganic substances

Section

Technology organic and inorganic substances

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Copyright (c) 2024 Agung Mataram, Aneka Firdaus, Muhammad Yanis, Rahma Dani, Subriyer Nasir, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman

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