Synthesis, characterization, and heavy-ion rejection rate efficiency of PVA/MWCNTs and Triton X-100/MWCNTs Buckypaper membranes

Buckypaper membranes were prepared through the dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the presence of surfactants (Triton X-100) and (PVA) in a separate manner. The dispersed solutions were vacuum filtered and Buckypapers, which are selfsupporting membranes were obtained. The results revealed that the incorporation of both Triton X-100 and PVA surfactants increased the permeability and rejection efficiency of the MWCNTs. The rejection performance for the heavy metal ions of both membranes is investigated for the first time. The physico-chemical and morphological characteristics of the membranes were reported. PVA and Triton X-100 BP membranes displayed electrical conductivity (32.749 +/- 2 S cm-1 and 58.3072 +/- 1 S cm-1), contact angle (58 +/- 3 degrees and 34 +/- 3 degrees), water permeability (20 +/- 2 Lm-2 h-1 bar-1 and 79 +/- 4 Lm-2 h-1 bar-1), surface area (67.7 and 88.5 m2/g) and mechanical properties (Young's module was found to be 10.25 +/- 0.2 and 6.07 +/- 0.7) respectively. Both PVA/MWCNTs BP and Trix-100/MWCNTs BP membranes dium. Furthermore, the rejection of metal ions was more efficient in PVA-based membranes compared to Trix-based membranes. (c) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

Buckypaper membranes were prepared by dispersing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the presence of surfactants (Triton X-100) and (PVA). The incorporation of Triton X-100 and PVA surfactants improved the permeability and rejection efficiency of the MWCNTs. The membranes showed high rejection performance for heavy metal ions and potential applications.