Modification the Separation and Structural Properties of PES Based Nanofiltration Membrane Using Sulfonated Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles

In this study, nanocomposite PES based membranes were prepared by using sulfonated silicon dioxide (SiO2-SO3H) nanoparticles through phase inversion method. PVP and N-N-dimethylacetamide were used as pore former and solvent respectively. The effect of nanoparticles’ concentration on the separation performance of prepared membranes was studied. The structures of membranes were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning optical microscopy (SOM). Obtained results showed modified membranes had significant improvements in flux and rejection with increasing sulfonated silicon dioxide nanoparticles. Also, the tensile strength increased in the range of 15 to 25% for prepared membranes containing naniparticles. Results showed that nanocomposite membrane containing 0.1 wt.% SiO2-SO3H nanoparticles has an increase in the flux of 200% compared to the unmodified membrane and salt rejection of 75%. Also, the flux decreased the ratio of the optimum sample was 7.14 that showed better antifouling properties with decreasing of 75% relative to the PES one.