Jute–Copper\nNanocomposite Embedded PSf Membrane\nfor Sustainable and Efficient Heavy Metal Removal from Water Sources

Numerous corporations have overlooked environmental regulations\nconcerning wastewater treatment, leading to a worldwide issue regarding\nhazardous pollutant discharge, particularly dyes and heavy metal ions,\ninto river sources. Various industries, with water, energy, and biological\nsectors, actively employ membranes. Membranes capable of showing flux,\nmetal and dye sorption, and catalysis have been developed and are\nextensively used by functionalizing the pores of ultrafiltration,\nmicrofiltration, and nanofiltration membranes with responsive properties.\nThe enhancement of synthetic membrane performance can be achieved\nby developing new polymers or modifying the surface of existing polymers.\nIn this study, high porosity and large internal pore volume polysulfone\n(PSf) membrane composites were produced on a laboratory scale by adjusting\nthe polymer coagulation conditions during the phase inversion process,\nincorporating copper nanoparticles for antifouling properties, and\nutilizing pretreated natural jute fibers. A comprehensive characterization\nof the composites was conducted by using FTIR, XRD, XPS, ICP-MS, and\nSEM techniques. To calculate their possible uses in separation and\npurification methods, the performance of PSf-based membrane composites\nwas evaluated in terms of heavy metal rejection rates (%) in water.