Fabrication of PES/MnO mixed matrix membranes for cadmium removal

Abstract

With increasing industrial activities around the globe, water source had been severely polluted by various heavy metal substances that lead to adverse effect not only to the environment but also to human being. The content of heavy metal in wastewater especially cadmium was increasing in the recent years and can be attributed to the strong demand of cadmium in the battery and electroplating industry. In this study, the potential of novel nanocomposite mixed matrix membrane incorporated with manganese oxide (MnO2) nanoparticle for cadmium removal was investigated. The membranes were fabricated using polyethersulfone (PES) by phase inversion technique with different manganese oxide nanoparticle loading. Prior to performance evaluation, the membranes were characterized by their structural morphology, surface chemistry and cadmium adsorption capability. The results suggested that PES membrane incorporated with 2.0 ratio of MnO2/PES exhibited the best result in both cadmium adsorption (51.7 mg/g) and water permeability (1462 L/m2.h.bar). This indicated the prospect of this membrane to be applied in wastewater treatment industry.