Biomass-Derived Cellulose Acetate Membranes Modified with TiO₂/Graphene Oxide for Oil-In-Water Emulsion Treatment

Considering the environmental impact and health risks caused by oily wastewater in the petrochemical industry, it is crucial to develop more efficient separation techniques than traditional methods, such as membrane separation, for treating stable emulsions enriched with natural surfactants. This study investigated the preparation of dense cellulose acetate membranes from a low-cost biomass precursor (<i>Luffa cylindrica</i>) and their modification with graphene oxide (GO) and TiO₂ nanoparticles, aiming to obtain a polymeric nanocomposite with good flux characteristics and selectivity for the treatment of oil/water emulsions. The materials obtained were characterized using techniques such as X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared absorption spectroscopy, along with optical and scanning electron microscopy, among others. The membranes were prepared by the casting technique and modified with the above-mentioned nanostructured materials. Flux analyses with petroleum emulsion revealed that membranes modified with GO and TiO₂ nanoparticles showed significant improvements in antifouling resistance compared to unmodified membranes. These enhanced properties highlight the potential of modified cellulose acetate membranes for application in industrial wastewater treatment.