Enhanced polysulfone ultrafiltration membrane performance through fullerol Addition: A study towards optimization

In this study, we have prepared and characterized polysulfone (PSF) ultrafiltration membranes, via a phase inversion method, which incorporate oxidized fullerenes (fullerols as C-60(OH)(x)(ONa)(y), with x + y = 24 and y = 6 to 8). Fullerol addition, at relatively low loadings (& LE;2.5 wt%), has significant impact on the resulting membrane structure, permeability, anti-fouling, and mechanical properties. Fullerol modified membranes have enlarged, open-ended pores and enhanced (surface) hydrophilicity. When optimized, incorporation of fullerol breaks the traditional trade-off between membrane permeability and selectivity (i.e., rejection of bovine serum albumin (BSA)), as both are improved with 1.5% fullerol (wt/wt), from 23.9 to 191.9 LMHB and 89% to 93%, respec-tively. Recovery measurements and protein adsorption tests also indicate that anti-fouling properties are enhanced via fullerol incorporation, which is likely due to decreased membrane roughness and increased surface-based electrostatic repulsion. Mechanical strength measurements indicate an optimal incorporation ratio at 0.5% fullerol/PSF (w/w). Taken together, results clearly demonstrate the potential of fullerol as a novel and effective, yet simple, PSF membrane modifier.

Automated summary

This study prepared and characterized polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes with the addition of oxidized fullerenes. The incorporation of fullerol at low loadings significantly improved the membrane structure, permeability, anti-fouling properties, and mechanical strength. The results show the potential of fullerol as a novel and effective modifier for polysulfone membranes.