Nanofiltration Membranes Synthesized from Polyethyleneimine for Removal of MgSO4 from Aqueous Solution (RESEARCH NOTE)

Abstract

A novel work was performed for fabrication and modification of composite nanofiltration (NF) membrane by polymerization reaction between polyethyleneimine (PEI) and triphthaloyldechloride (TPC). the main purpose of this work was water treatment. polysulfone was applied as a main polymer of substrate. The result of reaction between PEI and TPC would be formation of polyamide layer on the membrane surface. SiO2 nanoparticles were used as modification agent. The fabricated membranes were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), contact angle measurement and FTIR analysis. MgSO4 as one of the dissolved salt in water was investigated and these fabricated membranes were utilized to remove MgSO4 from water. Properties of substrate in addition to properties of NF membrane such as steric-hindrance and Donnan exclusion lead to a rejection of 89% for MgSO4.