Preparation of Chitosan-Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Blended Membranes: Characterization And Performance in The Separation of Sodium and Magnesium Ions

The present study describes the preparation, characterization, and performance of chitosan (CS)-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) blended membranes for metal ion separation. MWCNTs were modified with CS to enhance the hydrophilicity and rejection capability of the membranes. The new CS-MWCNT blended membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and swelling behavior. The membranes were used to separate sodium and magnesium ions from aqueous solutions under different operating conditions. The salt retention sequence for the CS-MWCNT membranes was Na2SO4 > MgSO4 > NaCl. The results suggest that the new CS-MWCNT membranes can be used for reasonable metal ions separation from aqueous solutions.