Tuning the surface charge of mixed matrix membranes using novel chemistry

Mixed matrix membranes have gained significant recognition in the wastewater treatment industry for their effectiveness in removing dyes, proteins, and heavy metals from water sources. Researchers have developed an innovative technique to enhance properties of these membranes by incorporating amine-functionalized carbon nanotubes into the polymer matrix. This approach introduces amine functional groups onto the membrane surface, which are then modified with trimesoyl chloride and cyanuric chloride. The modified membranes are characterized by XPS to confirm successful bonding of amines with the trimesoyl chloride and cyanuric chloride. The surface charge of the modified membrane also plays a role in the modification process; the membrane modified with trimesoyl chloride has a negative surface charge, while the one modified with cyanuric chloride has a more positive charge. At the same acidic pH, the positive or negative charge of the mixed matrix membranes assists in enhancing the rejection of heavy metals. This results in improved antifouling properties for both modified membranes. The heavy metal rejection for all modified membranes is higher than for unmodified membranes, due to both adsorption and complexation abilities of the functional groups on the membrane surface with heavy metal ions. As the membrane surface functionalities increase through modification, the separation due to complexation also increases. The bulk morphology of the membrane remains unchanged, while roughness slightly increases due to the surface treatment.