Biochar-impregnated membranes for sustainable water desalination applications

Mixed-matrix membranes synthesized by incorporating biochar into polysulfone matrix rendered improved hydrophilicity, permeate flux and salt rejection. Biochar prepared from sugarcane bagasse through calcination process was used to synthesize hybrid membranes containing varying filler loadings. Prepared membranes were tested at room temperature to measure rejection rate and permeate flux in a dead-end filtration system under varying feed pressures and salt concentrations. Permeation results inferred that addition of biochar into polysulfone significantly enhanced hydrophilicity, permeability flux and salt rejection of fabricated membranes. Both the salt rejection rate and permeate flux through composite membranes were improved by increasing feed pressure and reducing salt concentration in the feed solution. Only 2 wt% biochar loading in polysulfone furnished 61 o contact angle, 85 % salt rejection and 12 m 3 m −2 day −1 permeate flux for 0.5 % salt concentration and 14 bar feed-side pressure. • Development of high-performance water desalination membranes by biochar doping. • Filtration efficiency significantly enhanced by adding 2 wt% biochar to produce clean water. • Enhanced membrane resistance to heat and operating pressure.