Studies in synthesis and modification of PES membrane and its application for removal of reactive black 5 dye

ABSTRACT In this study, polyethersulfone (PES)/iron oxide (Fe2O3) mixed matrix membranes have been prepared using the phase inversion technique. Initially, iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesised with an average size <80 nm and its characteristics were studied. Various PES/ Fe2O3 membranes were fabricated keeping PES composition (16) wt% constant and Fe2O3 loading (0–1.5) wt%. Surface morphology, cross-section morphology, composition characteristics, contact angle along with water flux, solute rejection and molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) of the membranes were studied. Numerous analytical instruments like Zeta particle size analyzer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM, XPS, and goniometer were used in the study. Experimental results showed that the overall characteristics of the membrane were highly enhanced when the membrane prepared with 16 wt% PES, 5 wt% polyethylene glycol (PEG) doped with 1 wt% Fe2O3. Compared to the neat PES membranes, 1 wt% Fe2O3 blend membranes showed higher water flux of 80.94*10−7 m3/m2.s at trans membrane pressure of 200 kPa. Moreover, the membrane was subject to synthetic wastewater containing reactive black 5, which resulted in high permeate flux of 56.1*10−7 m3/m2.s with 98% rejection at pH 3. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT