ABSTRACT
262In this work new anti-fouling mixed matrix membranes with increased permeability and better surface properties have been produced. Mixed matrix membranes were obtained by incorporating ultrasound assisted sol-gel TiO2 nanoparticles into cellulose acetate (CA) membranes.
TiO2 nanoparticles, within the range of 20 to 30 nm, were added to cellulose acetate/acetone/formamide casting solutions with weight ratios acetone/formamide varying from 1.44 to 2.77, to prepare ultrafiltration/nanofiltration membranes over a wide range of hydraulic permeabilities. Bond formation between TiO2 nanoparticles and cellulose acetate matrix was confirmed by FTIR through the disappearance of the peak centered at 2600 cm−1. Zeta Potential evidenced changes in the membrane surface chemistry. The addition of ultrasound assisted sol-gel TiO2 nanoparticles to the casting solution changed the membranes porosity structure, as observed by SEM. Further, the pure water flux increased with the acetone concentration and TiO2 nanoparticles content. Although the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles rendered the cellulose acetate membranes less electronegative, TiO2 nanoparticles play an important role in the adsorption and separation of the cations present in the water.
