Gelatin‐Based Nanocomposite Films: A Sustainable Green Alternative for Membrane Technology

ABSTRACT Gelatin, a biodegradable protein‐based biopolymer, shows great promise in membrane technology due to its hydrophilic nature and functional groups. It facilitates strong adsorption of pollutants by enabling efficient separation, purification, and controlled transport of contaminants. Its biocompatibility and tunable structure support water purification applications such as heavy metal removal and dye adsorption. However, its poor moisture stability limits its direct use. To enhance its functional performance, it was modified with plasticizers, cross‐linkers, and ZnO nanoparticles to fabricate advanced gelatin‐based thin‐film composite (TFC) membranes. In this study, Gelatin/ZnO nanocomposite films were synthesized via a green route using Aloe vera extract and cast using the solution casting method. Characterization by UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, TGA, and SEM confirmed successful nanoparticle incorporation and uniform dispersion. The adsorption efficiency of the films was assessed for Cu 2+ (CuSO 4 ), Mn 2+ (KMnO 4 ), methyl orange, and hardness ions using UV–Vis and titrimetric methods. The results followed the Freundlich isotherm model.