Work

Mg(Al)O mixed metal oxides as nanofiller for the preparation of sustainable antifouling polyethersulfone membranes

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study aims to develop a high-performance and sustainable ultrafiltration (UF) membrane by incorporating Mg(Al)O mixed metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) into a polyethersulfone (PES) matrix. The membranes were fabricated using the non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method, with PolarClean as a green solvent and water as a coagulation bath, and applied for dye removal. The effect of Mg(Al)O content (0 – 1 wt.%) on the membrane properties was investigated, demonstrating that the incorporation of Mg(Al)O enhances permeability, dye rejection, and antifouling performance compared to the pristine PES membrane. The membrane containing 1 wt.% of Mg(Al)O exhibited the best performance in terms of improved hydrophilicity, enhanced pure water flux with a value of 107.2 L m −2 h −1 at 2 bar, and superior dye rejection for a 50 mg L −1 Acid Red 4 aqueous solution. Additionally, the Mg(Al)O/PES membrane showed excellent antifouling properties, achieving a flux recovery ratio ( FRR ) of 76.8% and reduced irreversible fouling ratio ( R ir = 23.2%). These findings highlight the potential of Mg(Al)O NPs as effective nanofillers for UF membranes designed for efficient dye rejection while promoting the use of easy and environmentally friendly fabrication methods.

Source: Chemical Engineering Journal Advances

DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100793