Publication Date: 2023
Desalination and Water Treatment (19443994)307pp. 18-29
Composite membranes consisting of PVA/PAA as interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN), along with various MOFs (MIL-101-Cr, Cu-BTC, UiO-66-NH2) or graphene oxide (GO), were synthesized using a sequential method. These membranes were designed for use in the pervaporation desali-nation of NaCl and MgCl2 salts. The membranes were characterized using swelling, contact angle, FTIR, tensile, and SEM tests, and the optimal preparation parameters were determined using an experiment design method. Subsequently, the optimal membranes were employed in the pervapo-ration desalination process, with salt rejection and fluxes serving as the pervaporation responses. The results showed that as the temperature of the feed increased, the water flux also increased. However, as the feed solution temperature and concentration increased, the salt rejection decreased. Under optimal conditions, the IPN/MIL-101-Cr membrane provided 15.19 and 14.59 kg/m2·h flux and 99.24% and 99.37% rejection for sodium and magnesium ions, respectively, while the GO/IPN membrane provided 13.65 and 12.98 kg/m2·h flux and 98.97% and 99.10% rejection for sodium and magnesium ions, respectively. These composite membranes also exhibited excellent performance in salt mixtures. Based on the experimental design results, preliminary evaluation tests, and comparison with other membranes, it can be concluded that the IPN/MIL-101-Cr composite membrane is highly effective for pervaporation desalination and has potential for industrial-scale applications. © 2023 Elsevier Inc.
