Low‐Cost and Green Nanofiltration Membrane Using Naringin Modified Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles for Sustainable Heavy Metal Remediation

ABSTRACT This study introduces a cost‐effective, eco‐friendly nanofiltration membrane made by incorporating naringin—a natural compound extracted from grapefruit peel—into graphene oxide and blending it with a polyethersulfone base. The modified membranes were prepared in varying weight percentages using non‐solvent induced phase separation. Their structural and chemical features were examined using SEM, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, EDAX, and XRD; contact angle and porosity measurements, and filtration performance were evaluated through pure‐water flux and heavy‐metal rejection tests in a dead‐end cell. The PES/[email protected] membrane showed a fivefold increase in pure‐water flux (85 kg m −2 h −1 ) and strong antifouling behavior, with over 86% flux recovery after a milk‐protein challenge. In heavy‐metal removal tests, it achieved rejection rates of 98.99% for Pb 2+ , 97.4% for Mn 2+ , and 95.9% for Cu 2+ . This study turns grapefruit peel waste into a useful material, creating a practical and eco‐friendly membrane that has high water flow, resists clogging, and effectively removes heavy metals—helping to improve recycling solutions for treating industrial wastewater.