Tailoring the Characteristics of Poly (phenylene-ether-ether) Sulfone Membrane for Efficient Glycerol/Biodiesel Separation

Poly (phenylene-ether-ether) sulfone membrane was fabricated and characterized to efficient glycerol/biodiesel separation produced from waste cooking oils trans-esterification. The membrane preparation was processed by phase inversion technique. The morphology, physico-chemical properties and separation behavior of membranes was studied at various PPEES concentration. A uniform surface was observed for the prepared membranes by scanning electron microscopy. AFM images exhibited that surface roughness was decreased from 9.24 to 7.26 nm by increase of PPEES concentration from 12 to 15 %wt. Similar trend was found for the membrane Flux, water content and porosity by increase of PPEES content ratio up to 15 %wt. The efficiency of glycerol removal and mechanical strength was also improved by increase of polymeric matrix concentration.