Preparation of multi-layer pervaporation membrane by electrospraying of nano zeolite X

In this study, multi-layer nano zeolite X/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polyethersulfone (PES) membrane was fabricated by electro-spraying of nano zeolite X particles on the dual-layer PVA/PES membrane that was prepared by the phase separation method. For this purpose, the surface of the PVA layer was mddified by corona air plasma to increase the surface energy and adhesion of the inorganic layer. The SEM and FFIR tests were used to characterize the fabricated membranes. The membrane separation performance was evaluated for pervaporative dehydration of aqueous ethanol solutions. The effects of PVA and zeolite layers thickness and zeolite concentration on the separation performance of the multi-layer membranes were investigated. The results revealed that the total permeation flux and water separation factor decreased and increased, respectively by an increase in the PVA and zeolite layers thickness. Moreover, as the zeolite concentration varied from 2.5 to 5 %wt., the total flux reduced and the separatibn factor enhanced and a further increase in the zeolite concentration led to higher permeation flux and lower water separation factor. It was observed that the combination of the electro-spraying process and phase separation technique is an innovative alternative for the fabrication of nano -composite prevaporation membranes. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.