Generation Nanocomposite Membranes for Sustainable Wastewater Reclamation: A Fusion of Functionality and Efficiency
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63075/ghwyd918Keywords:
Nanocomposite Membranes, Wastewater Reclamation, Mxene, Antifouling, Sustainable Water TreatmentAbstract
Background: The rising water crisis situation around the world and the number of contaminants in the industrial world require efficient treatment systems that are economical, sustainable and efficient. Conventional polymer based membranes are limited in terms of poor permeability, susceptibility to fouling and low contaminant rejection and are thus not suitable in next generation wastewater treatment.
Aim: This work seeks to design and test nanocomposite-porous membranes with a few graphene oxide (GO), zinc oxide (ZnO), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and Mxene nanofillers to enhance physicochemical characteristics, eliminate pollutants, and reduce problems with fouling.
Method: Nanocomposite membranes prepared by a phase inversion method and thin-film nanocompositing. Further extensive characterization which included SEM, AFM, FTIR and XRD was carried out to determine morphology, surface roughness and interactions with chemicals. The performance tests were in the form of water flux, heavy metals, dyes, and pharmaceuticals rejection efficiency, antifouling, and reusability tests.
Results: The incorporation of the nanofillers markedly improved hydrophilicity, tensile strength, and smoothness of the surface in comparison to the pristine polymer membranes. FN/MXene membranes demonstrated the best performance, with pure water flux values more than 150 L/m 2 h, and rejection rates higher than 95 % against Pb 2 +, methylene blue, and ibuprofen. Antifouling tests indicated flux recovery ratios of over 90 percent even after ten cycles indicating excellent performance even after long term use.
Conclusion: By presenting information on nanocomposite membranes the study shows that nanocomposit membrares are a melding of both functionality and efficiency with greater permeability, selectivity and reusability. These results support their viability as cost-effective and scalable solutions to the next-gen wastewater reclamation.
