Polysulfone Ultrafiltration Membranes Embedded with Silica Nanoparticles for Enhanced Dye Removal Performance

Membrane systems are considered clean and environmentally acceptable for removing dyes from wastewater. Concern about the aquatic environment, which protects humans, is raising demand for its use. This study used polysulfone polymer (PSU) with nanoparticles (SiO2) by phase inversion. In this case, ultrafiltration membrane (UF) performance was improved. SiO2 nanoparticles (0, 0.025, 0.050, and 0.075 wt. %) were examined, and the polymer concentration was kept constant at 17 wt. %. FTIR, SEM, and AFM tests were used to characterize the composition and structure of the membrane. With varied SiO2 nanoparticle concentrations, the membrane shape changed. Different operating factors such as pressure and dye concentration effect on the permeability flux and removal percentage of Congo Red and Malachite Green dyes were studied. The dye concentration was 100 ppm at 2 to 7 bar. The composite membrane permeability improved because SiO2 nanoparticles increased membrane porosity. The results of casting solution composition, membrane mechanical properties, microstructures, water flux, and dye removal were evaluated. Therefore, the ideal SiO2 nanoparticles concentration in the membrane ultrafiltration is 0.025 wt. %. This membrane has a high removal efficiency of 99.5 % at 2 bar, which is the optimum operating pressure, and 98.75 % at 7 bar.