Enhanced photocatalytic properties of graphene oxide/polyvinylchloride membranes by incorporation with green prepared SnO2 and TiO2 nanocomposite for water treatment
Sahar A. Mousa, Heba Abdallah, S. S. Ibrahim, S. A. Khairy
Abstract
Abstract Photocatalytic membranes (PMR) have significant potential for utilization in energy-efficient water purification and wastewater treatment. The integration of membrane filtration's physical separation with photocatalysis's organic degradation is facilitated by their respective capabilities. In the present study, a more advanced graphene oxide (GO) membrane with improved photocatalytic properties was developed. This was achieved by incorporating tin dioxide (SnO 2 ) and titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles (NPs) into a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix, resulting in the fabrication of a microfiltration flat sheet membrane. The hydrophilicity of the membrane surface was investigated. The existence of NPs on membrane surfaces was demonstrated by FESEM images, Raman spectra, and FT-IR measurements. The porosity was affected by the addition of NPs; it increased from 59 to 76, and 92 for GO/TiO 2 , and GO/SnO 2 respectively. The relationship between photocatalysis and filtration was investigated. Each nanocomposite membrane displayed a greater water flux and removal efficiency than a blank PVC membrane. Whereas the water flux enhanced from 1.3 to 17.6, and 20.5 for GO/TiO 2 , and GO/SnO 2 respectively. Sunlight improves water flow and rejection compared to darkness. This research provides an alternative and highly efficient photocatalytic membrane for removing organic compounds from water, as the GO/SnO 2 nanocomposites membrane exhibits the highest photocatalytic degradation up to a rejection rate of 98% when compared to an unmodified membrane.