mprovement in Separation Performance of PEI-Based Nanofiltration Membrane by Using Functionalized Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles

In this study, titanium dioxide nanoparticles were functionalized by L-cysteine/POSS and then utilized in fabrication and modification of PEI-based nanofiltration membranes. The FTIR results confirm the formation of composite nanoparticles decisively. Also, SEM and AFM were used in membrane characterization. The water permeability and separation performance of prepared membranes were studied by pure water flux and salt rejection considering. Obtained results showed that PWF increased up to 22.03 (L/m2.h) by applying 0.1 wt.% composite nanoparticles due to hydrophilic agents on the membrane surface. Moreover, the sodium sulfate rejection reached to 78% in modified membranes in comparison with pristine membrane. The modified membranes which contain composite nanoparticles showed more efficiency compared to the blended membrane with L-cysteine/POSS and pristine membrane. The results also exhibited improved antifouling ability for modified membrane in comparison to pristine membrane.