Barium titanate-enhanced mixed matrix membranes for dye removal: photocatalytic membrane regeneration

Abstract

Fabrication of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with effective tuning of interfacial interactions between the nano additives and the polymer matrix is crucial for enhanced membrane filtration applications. In present work, the nano additive barium titanate (BTO) was blended with Polysulfone (PSf) membrane to achieve MMMs for effective rejection of Methyl Blue (MB), Eriochrome Black T (EBT) and Congo Red (CR) dyestuffs. The fusion of BTO augments properties of MMMs viz., thermal stability, hydrophilicity and enhanced porosity by creating compatible frame work in polymer matrix. The incorporation of BTO also renders new functional moieties in the membrane matrix coupled with enhanced water permeability. The BaTiO 3 : PSf mixed matrix membrane showcased improved pure water flux, profound water uptake facilitating in effective dye rejection capacity of 99 ± 1% for EBT, 96 ± 1% for MB & 99 ± 1% for CR against the unmodified polysulfone (PSf) membrane. The fabricated mixed matrix membranes also demonstrated an uncompromised rejection efficiency even after two repetitive photocatalytic degradation cycles. The work highlights on the distinctive nature of BTO nano additive in MMMs together with practical approach of dye wastewater, thereby improving water quality.