Removal of 4-Nitrophenol from Aqueous Solution by Using Polyphenylsulfone-Based Blend Membranes: Characterization and Performance

Among many contaminants in wastewater, organic phenol compounds presented a major concern to endanger the water resources safety. In the present study, blend nanofiltration (NF) membranes comprising polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) and polyethersulfone (PES) were prepared via the non-induced phase separation and their performance was examined against 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP). The PES ratio in the dope solution was varied from 6 to 9 wt.% to probe the impact of PES on the retention and permeation characteristics of the final membranes. A series of experimental tools were employed to estimate the characteristics of the membranes, including surface and cross-section, hydrophilicity, pore size and pore size distribution. Performance evaluation of the NF membranes was conducted considering two operational variables; pH and initial feed solution. About 99% removal of 4-NP along with 6.2 L/m(2)center dot h center dot bar was achieved at the optimum operating conditions as revealed by optimization and mathematical modelling.

Automated summary

The study focused on using blend nanofiltration membranes comprising PPSU and PES to treat wastewater containing 4-NP. By varying the PES ratio, the impact on membrane performance was investigated, achieving 99% removal of 4-NP and 6.2 L/m(2)center dot h center dot bar permeation flux under optimal operating conditions.