Enhancing Nanofiltration Membranes with Biochar and MOF Nanoparticles for Improved Water Purification

Researchers have enhanced nanofiltration membranes using biochar from Cladophora glomerata algae and UiO-66-NH2 MOF nanoparticles, improving water flux, dye, and salt rejection. This innovation offers a sustainable solution for efficient water purification, transforming environmental waste into a valuable resource for filtration technology.

May 8, 2024

1–2 minutes

Maleki & Bozorg (2024)
BiocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More decorated with metal–organic framework nanoparticles as robust modifier to manipulate nanofiltration mixed matrix membranes characteristics and performance. *Chemical Engineering Journal.* https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.151564

In a significant advancement detailed in the Chemical Engineering Journal (Volume 490, June 15, 2024), researchers Amin Maleki and Ali Bozorg have developed a novel approach to improve the efficiency of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) used in water filtration. By integrating biochar derived from Cladophora glomerata algae and UiO-66-NH2 metal–organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles, the team has successfully enhanced the characteristics and performance of polyethersulfone (PES) nanofiltration membranes.

The innovative method involved embedding 0.2–0.8 wt% of the combined modifiers into the PES membranes through an immersion precipitation process. These modifications led to membranes with smoother surfaces and a change in zeta potential from negative to positive values, indicating an increased ability to attract and trap contaminants.

Testing revealed dramatic improvements in water flux, which increased by up to 85%, and a reduction in contact angle to 43 degrees, enhancing the hydrophilicity and efficiency of the membranes. The modified membranes showed superior dye rejection capabilities, with up to 98.5% of Reactive Blue 50 dye being filtered out. Salt rejection rates also saw significant improvements, making these membranes highly effective for a range of applications, from industrial wastewater treatment to potable water production.

Additionally, the modified membranes exhibited impressive fouling resistance, with only minor reductions in water flux when challenged with humic acid and bovine serum albumin, suggesting that they could maintain high performance over longer operational periods without the need for frequent cleaning.

This study not only addresses the pressing global need for efficient and cost-effective water purification solutions but also transforms a common environmental nuisance, the Cladophora glomerata algae, into a valuable resource for membrane technology. The findings promise to revolutionize the field of nanofiltration, offering a more sustainable and effective method to tackle water scarcity and contamination issues worldwide.