Jute–Copper Nanocomposite Embedded PSf Membrane for Sustainable and Efficient Heavy Metal Removal from Water Sources

Abstract

Numerous corporations have overlooked environmental regulations concerning wastewater treatment, leading to a worldwide issue regarding hazardous pollutant discharge, particularly dyes and heavy metal ions, into river sources. Various industries, with water, energy, and biological sectors, actively employ membranes. Membranes capable of showing flux, metal and dye sorption, and catalysis have been developed and are extensively used by functionalizing the pores of ultrafiltration, microfiltration, and nanofiltration membranes with responsive properties. The enhancement of synthetic membrane performance can be achieved by developing new polymers or modifying the surface of existing polymers. In this study, high porosity and large internal pore volume polysulfone (PSf) membrane composites were produced on a laboratory scale by adjusting the polymer coagulation conditions during the phase inversion process, incorporating copper nanoparticles for antifouling properties, and utilizing pretreated natural jute fibers. A comprehensive characterization of the composites was conducted by using FTIR, XRD, XPS, ICP-MS, and SEM techniques. To calculate their possible uses in separation and purification methods, the performance of PSf-based membrane composites was evaluated in terms of heavy metal rejection rates (%) in water.