Fabrication of novel Zn (II)-imidazole based mixed matrix membranes for heavy metal removals from drinking water

Heavy metals presence in the potable water is a terrible dilemma notably for emergent countries and could be carcinogenic. Currently, interfacial polymerization (IP) was applied for the production of thin film nanocomposite forward osmosis (TFN-FO) membrane using polyacrylonitrile support. For this purpose, Zn (II)-imidazole metal Organic framework (MOF) was employed as a nanofiller into polymeric membranes this modification was found useful for the removal of heavy metals. Different characterization techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were used for the assessment of morphology, elemental arrangement, functional groups and crystalline nature of the prepared FO membrane. It was observed that synthesized Zn-MOF based FO membrane displays high water flux by increasing the number of pores in the membrane. Additionally, this particular FO membrane was custom-made for lower reverse solute flux and concentration polarization. This ensures minimum withdrawal of salt from the draw solution (DS) to the feed solution (FS). So, the prepared Zn-MOF based FO membrane produce synergistic outcomes for the removal of metals and this strategy could possibly be used as novel way for removal of toxic pollutants.

Automated summary

The presence of heavy metals in potable water is a serious issue, especially in emerging countries, as it can be carcinogenic. Researchers have developed a thin film nanocomposite forward osmosis (TFN-FO) membrane by employing interfacial polymerization (IP) and Zn (II)-imidazole metal Organic framework (MOF) as a nanofiller. The modified membrane showed effective removal of heavy metals. Characterization techniques including SEM, EDS, FTIR, and XRD analyses were used to evaluate the morphology, elemental arrangement, functional groups, and crystalline nature of the prepared FO membrane. The synthesized Zn-MOF based FO membrane demonstrated high water flux and lower reverse solute flux, making it a promising candidate for the removal of heavy metals and toxic pollutants.