Enhanced ultrafiltration PES membranes doped with mesostructured functionalized silica particles

Abstract

Novel hybrid ultrafiltration membranes have been prepared by incorporation of mesostructured functionalized silica particles in polyethersulfone. Physico-chemical characterization of synthesized materials was accomplished to determine the textural and structural properties of particles by nitrogen adsorption-desorption and TEM. A successful functionalization of silica with amine and carboxylic groups was confirmed by means of MAS-NMR. Membrane surface morphology was studied in terms of pore size distribution, porosity and hydrohilicity, suggesting a great influence of mesostructured silica incorporation in polyethersulfone on the polymer matrix configuration. Membrane functions were significantly improved as result of considerable increase of water permeation without affect negatively the membrane selectivity. The antifouling membranes properties were also enhanced, especially against to irreversible fouling. Multi-run fouling tests of modified membranes confirmed the stability of permeation through membranes doped with mesostrucutred functionalized silica particles.