Author/Authors :
Abdulkarim, A. A. Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus - School of Chemical Engineering, Malaysia , Abdulkarim, A. A. Ministry of Industry and Minerals - Chemical and Petrochemical Research Center - Commission for Research and Industrial Development, Iraq , Ahmad, A. L. Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus - School of Chemical Engineering, Malaysia , Ismail, S. Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus - School of Chemical Engineering, Malaysia , Ooi, B. S. Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus - School of Chemical Engineering, Malaysia
Abstract :
Flat sheet polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membranes were fabricated by a dry/wet induced phase inversion process. Various ranges of ZnO concentrations (from 0 –5 wt. %) were utilized in conjunction with 16.5 and 2.5 wt. % of polyethersulfone and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), respectively. The prepared membranes were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), contact angle (CA), and flux/rejection performance. The modified membranes were tested on humic acid removal. The hydrophilicity of PES membrane was improved after addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles in the casting solution. Highest pure water flux was obtained at 5 wt.% ZnO nanoparticles. The modified membranes with 2.5 wt. % of zinc oxide exhibited higher humic acid flux and rejection.
