Polymeric membranes and nano-membranes, synthesis and processing of nano-polymers/polymers, nanomaterials
Polymeric membranes, polymers, and nanopolymers, nanomaterials
- Ph.D., 1, Tehran [Tehran - Iran]
- Master's degree, 2, Tehran [Tehran - Iran]
- Bachelor, 3, Buali-Sina [Hamedan - Iran]
Articles
Publication Date: 2025
Scientific Reports (20452322)15(1)
The development of microwave absorbent is important because it enhances electromagnetic compatibility, reduces electromagnetic interference, and improves performance and safety in communication systems and electronic devices. In this study, a microwave-absorbing nanocomposite based on epoxy resin, containing nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn)-doped Fe₃O₄ coated on multi-wall carbon nanotubes (epoxy/Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4@MWCNTs), was prepared with varying nanoparticle content from 1 to 30 by wt%. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) verified the successful synthesis of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles. The saturation magnetization of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 @MWCNTs was approximately 37 emu/g, with negligible remanence and coercivity, indicating that these nanocrystals exhibit ferromagnetic behavior. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to analyze the dispersion of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanocrystals on the surface of MWCNTs. TEM images revealed that the nanocrystals, averaging around 15 nm in size, are uniformly distributed on the outer surface of MWCNTs. Based on the mechanical test, the nanocomposite with 10 wt% of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 @MWCNTs nanoparticle selected as an optimum sample. Moreover, thermal analysis of optimum sample showed outstanding thermal resistance for high-temperature microwave absorption applications. Reflection loss (RL) measurements indicated that the maximum RL values increased with nanoparticle content up to 10 wt%, but decreased at 30 wt%, highlighting an optimal loading for microwave absorption performance. © The Author(s) 2025.
Publication Date: 2025
Scientific Reports (20452322)15(1)
This investigation focused on the design of an advanced polymeric scaffold that integrates Ethylcellulose (EC) and Polystyrene (PS) to fabricate four novel Metal-Organic Framework/Ethylcellulose-Polystyrene (MOF/ECPS) adsorptive membranes for the aim of water desalination. These membranes were created using in situ synthesis of ZIF-8, UiO-66-NH2-EDTA, and UiO-66- NH2 in the presence of electrospun ECPS nanofibers, along with ex-situ synthesis of MIL-125-NH2/ECPS electrospun nanofibers. The NaCl removal performance of these nanocomposite adsorptive membranes was evaluated under ideal conditions. These conditions included starting NaCl content, intercalated MOF percentage, pH, temperature, dosage, and adsorbent contact time. The synthesized nanocomposites were successfully recycled 25 times without experiencing a significant reduction in adsorption capacity, except for MIL-125-NH2, which showed a decrease after 18 recycles. In this investigation, four different kinetic models were utilized: Elovich, intraparticle diffusion, pseudo-first-order, and pseudo-second-order. Adsorption characteristics were found to be in line with pseudo-second-order kinetics. Analysis of the adsorption isotherm parameters using the Langmuir and Freundlich models revealed that the surfaces of UiO-66-NH2/ECPS, UiO-66-NH2-EDTA/ECPS, and ZIF-8/ECPS nanocomposites are heterogeneous and exhibit multilayer Na+ adsorption. In contrast, the adsorption of Na+ on the MIL-125-NH2/ECPS nanocomposite follows a monolayer adsorption mechanism. Studies in thermodynamics demonstrate that adsorption occurs as an exothermic and spontaneous process that adheres to pseudo-second-order kinetics and isotherm models. © The Author(s) 2025.
Publication Date: 2025
Journal of Applied Polymer Science (00218995)
Ultrafiltration (UF) membranes are essential in water treatment, providing efficient removal of contaminants. Commercial UF membranes are typically produced using phase inversion, but their dense structure and tortuous pore channels limit water flux. This study develops a new thin film composite (TFC) UF membrane with high permeability, based on a nanofibrous support and a thin top layer. We first fabricated a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) electrospun nanofibrous sublayer from recycled PET flakes, then added a second, thinner nanofibrous layer on top. Finally, a hydrophilic chitosan (Cs)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) layer was applied. The fabricated membranes demonstrated outstanding performance, with a permeability of 240 L/m2 h bar, indicating a substantial increase in water flux compared to conventional UF membranes. The oil/water emulsion flux reached 60 L/m2 h bar, showcasing the membrane's high capacity for rapid filtration while maintaining effective separation. Notably, the membranes achieved an oil emulsion retention rate of approximately 99.9%, highlighting their excellent ability to remove emulsified oils and contaminants from water. When compared to existing nanofibrous and other types of membranes, our membrane displayed superior flux and retention capabilities, suggesting enhanced efficiency and potential for energy savings in practical applications. © 2025 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Industrial-scale microfiltration (MF) membranes serve a variety of purposes, including pre-treatment processes, the removal of micro-particles, the reduction of turbidity, and sedimentation potential of water in reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) systems. While CA membranes are of particular interest to researchers in the membrane field due to their outstanding properties, these membranes usually show non-uniform pores. Therefore, the main aim of this study was the preparation of uniform macro-porous cellulose acetate (CA) membranes using the vapor-assisted non-solvent induced phase separation (VNIPS) technique. To accomplish this, a cast polymer solution was placed in a defined humid environment at a specific temperature to create controlled and pre-defined pore sizes. Subsequently, the membrane was immersed in a non-solvent bath to complete the membrane formation process. The effects of various solution and processing conditions (specifically humidity and time) on the membrane structure were systematically examined. The results indicated that both humidity levels and fabrication time had a significant impact on membrane performance. Under specific conditions (a polymer solution with 35 wt% n-butanol, approximately 95% humidity, and an exposure duration of 15 min), the produced membranes exhibited a porous, spongy, and symmetrical structure, with a pure water flux of 24–45 mL/cm2 min bar, a mean pore size of 0.2–0.5 µm, and an air-flow rate of 18–38 L/min. Finally, the filtration efficiency of the prepared membranes was compared with that of the commercial Sartorius membranes. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.
