Separation properties and fouling resistance of polyethersulfone membrane modified by fungal chitosan
Hilya Nadhira Iman, Henry Susilo, Adhi Satriyatama, Ignatius Dozy Mahatmanto Budi, Kiki Adi Kurnia, I Gede Wenten, K. Khoiruddin
Abstract
Abstract This research explores the enhancement of polyethersulfone (PES) membranes through the incorporation of chitosan derived from the lignicolous fungus Ganoderma sp . Utilizing wet phase inversion and solution casting techniques, chitosan was successfully integrated into the PES matrix, as confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), which indicated a high deacetylation degree of 75.7%. The incorporation of chitosan significantly increased the membrane hydrophilicity, as evidenced by a reduction in the water contact angle and a substantial improvement in pure water permeability, from 17.9 L m -2 h -1 bar -1 to 27.3 L m -2 h -1 bar -1 . The membrane anti-fouling properties were also notably enhanced, with the Flux Recovery Ratio (FRR) increasing from approximately 60–80%. Moreover, the chitosan-modified PES/CS membrane, particularly at a 5% chitosan concentration, demonstrated exceptional efficacy in pollutant removal, achieving over 90% elimination of total suspended solids, cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), alongside a 79% reduction in color during the treatment of textile wastewater.