Novel photocatalytic polyether sulphone ultrafiltration (UF) membrane reinforced with oxygen-deficient Tungsten Oxide (WO2.89) for Congo red dye removal

Merging the photocatalytic activity of nanomaterials with membrane technology is an auspicious approach towards diminishing membrane fouling consequences. Herein, 0.1-2 wt.% of Tungsten Oxide (WO2.89) were harnessed to synthesis novel mixed matrix nanocomposite ultrafiltration membranes via the classical noninduced phase separation. A systematic comprehensive characterization was conducted to probe the additive influence on the ultimate characteristics of the UF nanocomposites. This comprised membranes morphology, chemical structure, mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, and their performance against Congo red (CR) dye. Results manifested that greater water flux along with higher hydrophilicity and water uptake capacity was achieved at 0.4 WO2.89 loading weight %. Under an hour of UV light irradiation, the flux recovery ratio of the 0.4 wt.% nanocomposite membranes was 83.3% compared to 71.5% for the control UF membrane. Meanwhile, pore blockage was realized at a higher additive ratio due to agglomeration occurrence, causing greater dye rejection, roughness, contact angle, and inducing lower permeate flux and flux recovery ratio. In the presence of WO2.89 nanoparticles, dye degradation has hit the 86% level after only 30 min of UV irradiation. Exposing the nanocomposite membranes to UV irradiation has induced a further enhancement in the FRR of the membranes. Decomposition of the organic molecules by WO2.89 nanoparticles photocatalytic activity on/near the membrane surface was the major factor to bring about this enhancement. Ultimately, the photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites prepared in the current work could open new insights towards their application for wastewater treatment applications. (C) 2021 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.