Synthesis and evaluation of polysulfone/chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol integral composite membranes for the removal of mercury ion

• Published in: Evergreen
• Main Author: Shaari N.Z.K.; Rozlee L.H.; Basri M.F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Joint Journal of Novel Carbon Resource Sciences & Green Asia Strategy 2021
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85110761438&doi=10.5109%2f4480733&partnerID=40&md5=6a844ca3575998653d4f8820e27a104d

An integral composite membrane was fabricated from a blend of polysulfone/chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) at various PVA polymer solution; 1, 3, 4 wt.%. The membranes were characterized in terms of thermal stability, water uptake, and were further evaluated through pure water flux, antifouling properties, and mercury removal. It was found that the composite membranes portrayed good thermal stability with enhanced hydrophilicity. The best performance portrayed by membrane with 4 wt.% PVA with good antifouling behavior, 46% IFR and 56% RFR, and able to remove more than 90% of mercury ions at much low pressure of 4 bars without jeopardizing the flux. © 2021 Novel Carbon Resource Sciences. All rights reserved.