Modification of Nanofiltration Membranes by Iron Oxide and Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles

In this study, it was tried to improve separation properties in the nanofiltration membranes by introducing Fe3O4 and GO nanoparticles. The different concentrations of nanoparticles with a constant total concentration were provided. The effect of increasing these nanoparticles was investigated in terms of pure water flux, Na2SO4 rejection, and anti-fouling properties. The characterization of fabricated membranes was done by Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis. The filtration performance of membranes by the water contact angle, porosity, water content, and salt rejection was evaluated. The results revealed that by increasing Fe3O4, the pure water flux increased from 12 L/m2h in a neat membrane to 48 L/m2h in 0.375:0.125 of Fe3O4:GO nanoparticles. Also, the highest Na2SO4 rejection (61%) was observed in M4 for Fe3O4:GO=0.125:0.375. Furthermore, the best antifouling properties were observed in 0.5 wt.% iron oxide nanoparticles with FRR% of 83%.