High-flux affinity membranes based on cellulose nanocomposites for removal of heavy metal ions from industrial effluents

Fully biobased affinity membrane processing and its application in the removal of heavy metal ions from mirror industry effluents were successfully demonstrated; indicating the potential use of these membranes in point-of-use or point-of-entry water cleaning products that are cheap, environmentally friendly and efficient. Layered cellulose nanocomposite membranes were fabricated using cellulose microfiber sludge as a support layer and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCSL, CNCBE or PCNCSL) in a gelatin matrix as the functional layer. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies revealed the bi-layered morphology of the membrane and well-individualized nanocelluloses in the functional layer. Bubble point measurements confirmed the membrane pore structure in the microfiltration range (5.0- 6.1 mu m), which provided very high water permeability (900-4000 L h (1) m (2)) at <1.5 bars. A tensile strength of 16 MPa in dry conditions and a wet strength of 0.2 MPa, was considered sufficient for use of these membranes in spiral wound modules. Mirror industry effluent laden with metal ions (Ag+ and Cu2+/Fe3+/Fe2+) when treated with cellulose nanocomposite membranes, showed high ion removal capacity, being 100% for PCNCSL followed by CNCBE than CNCSL. The removal of metal ions was expected to be driven by interactions between negatively charged nanocellulose and the positively charged metal ions.