Preparation and characterization of ultrafiltration membranes embedded with ZIF-8 metal-organic framework particles for oil removal from aqueous solutions
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The growth of nanotechnology has sparked a new wave of interest in membrane technologies, particularly due to the invention of nanocomposite membranes.Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8), a subclass of metal-organic frameworks (MOF) materials known for their chemical and thermal stability, were incorporated into polysulfone (PSU) ultrafiltration membranes for the removal of oil from water.Nanocomposite PSU-ZIF-8 membranes were prepared by adding varying amounts of ZIF-8 nanoparticles (0.025, 0.05, and 0.075 wt%) into the polymeric PSU solution.The membranes were characterized by contact angle (CA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and porosity analysis.The highest porosity, 70%, was observed for the PSU/ZIF-8-0.05wt.% membrane.The porosity was used to assess the membrane's performance in terms of fluid passage and selective filtration efficiency.Membranes with and without ZIF-8 were tested for flux and oil rejection.The PSU membrane without ZIF-8 showed a flux of 50 L/m²•h and 86% oil rejection.With the addition of ZIF-8, the flux increased, with the PSU/ZIF-8-0.025wt.% membrane achieving 53.57L/m²•h and 87% oil rejection.Performance continued to improve with higher ZIF-8 concentrations, with peak performance reached at 0.05 wt.% ZIF-8, which resulted in enhanced flux and oil rejection efficiency.
Authors: Ghaidaa S. Hassoon, Shaalan B. Ahmed, Athar S. Mteran, Wafaa Kh. Al-Musawy, Manar A. Ehmud, Mustafa H. Al-Furaiji
Language: English
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $161
OpenAlex ID: W4409032575