Fabrication of novel polyethersulfone based nanofiltration membrane by embedding polyaniline-co-graphene oxide nanoplates

Mixed matrix polyethersulfone (PES) based nanofiltration membrane was prepared through phase inversion method by using of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as pore former and N, N dimethylacetamide (DMAc) as solvent. Polyaniline-co-graphene oxide nanoplates (PANI/GO) were utilized as additive in membrane fabrication. The PANI/GO nanoplates were prepared by polymerization of aniline in the presence of graphene oxide nanoplates. FTIR analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning optical microscopy (SOM), 3D images surface analysis, water contact angle, water content tests, tensile strength tests, porosity tests, salt rejection and flux tests were used in membrane characterization. FT-IR results verified formation of PANI on graphene oxide nanoplates. SOM images showed uniform particles distribution for the mixed matrix membranes. SEM images also showed formation of wide pores for the modified membranes. Water flux showed constant trend nearly by use of PANI/GO in the casting solution. Opposite trend was found for the membrane surface hydrophilicity. Salt rejection was enhanced sharply by utilizing of PANI/GO. The membrane's tensile strength was improved by increase of PANI/GO concentration. The water content was increased initially by use of PANI/GO nanoplates up to 0.05%wt into the casting solution and then decreased. Membrane porosity was also enhanced by using of PANI/GO nanoplates. Modified membrane containing 0.5%wt PANI/GO nanoplates showed more appropriate antifouling characteristic compared to others.