Effect of Asymmetric Functionalized Graphene Oxide (Janus GO) on Young′s Modulus and Glass Transition Temperature of PSf Ultrafiltration Membrane

Abstract

<em> In this study, effect of asymmetric functionalized graphene oxide (Janus GO) on Young′s modulus and glass transition temperature of Polysulfone (PSf) ultrafiltration membranes was investigated. The membranes were prepared via phase inversion method and GO nanosheets were dispersed in casting solution by sonication. Results showed that the Normalized Young's modulus (on the basis of neat PSf membrane Young's modulus) increased from 1 to 1.35 for neat PSf membrane compared to the membrane with 1% Janus GO nanosheets. This enhancement indicated the improvement of mechanical properties of modified membranes. Also, application of Janus GO nanosheets caused enhancement of thermal stability of modified membranes by increasing glass transition temperature to 182.97 °C compared to 180.1 °C for neat PSf membrane. These improvements were ascribed to the enhancement of dispersion and stability of Janus GO nanosheets in membranes matrix. </em>