Zn-Co nanoferrites incorporated polysulfone nanofiltration membranes for wastewater treatment

Exacerbating challenges of providing safe environment and drinking water to humanity can be efficiently managed via membrane technology. Nanomaterials-impregnated polymer membranes find versatile applications in the removal of heavy metals from contaminated water. Owing to their outstanding mesoporous properties, high surface area, and good chemical and thermal resistance, the nanoparticles of Zn-Co nanoferrites (Zn 1-x Co x Fe 2 O 4 ) were imbedded into polysulfone (PSF) matrix to concoct mixed-matrix membranes using wet phase inversion process. Hydrothermally synthesized Zn 1-x Co x Fe 2 O 4 (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 1.0) nanoferrite particles of approximately 29-45 nm size in unannealed and annealed state were doped in PSF matrix to assess the effects of nanoferrites annealing on separation performance of resulting membranes. A thorough analysis was conducted to evaluate nanoferrites doping effect on membranes chemical structure, morphology, mechanical strength, wettability and microporous properties using FTIR, optical microscopy, UTM, Goneometer and porosity tester. Compared to pristine PSF membrane, water desalination performance of nanoferrites-filled membranes were significantly improved on doping nanoferrites of different grades. • Zn-Co nanoferrites (Zn 1-x Co x Fe 2 O 4 ) synthesized via hydrothermal method. • Polysulfone membranes with variable nanoferrites loading were prepared. • Cast membranes were thoroughly characterized by advanced techniques. • Membranes exhibited improved water treatment performance.