Preparation and characterization of modified polyether ether ketone (PEEK-WC) membranes for polymer assisted ultrafiltration of Cu2+ IONS from water

Official URL: http://risc01.sabanciuniv.edu/record=b1558940 (Table of Contents)

Membrane technology is one of the most important topics in today’s research for achieving metal removal and/or recovery from water. In this study, modified polyether ether ketone (PEEK-WC) membranes ranging from microfiltration to nanofiltration membranes depending on the coagulation bath, evaporation time and temperature were produced by phase inversion method. Produced asymmetric porous ultrafiltration membranes were preferred for PAUF processes. In the meantime, bonding conditions (pH and polymer/metal concentration) of various heavy metals (Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+) with PEI were optimized. Optimum pH of 6 and 1:1 Cu2+:B-PEI (weight ratio) conditions were used to prepare feed solution for PAUF tests. In conclusion, a denser structure of PEEK-WC membranes, DW-120, corresponded to a higher rejection of Cu2+ (98%), although there was a sharp reduction in permeance. All membranes showed a constant permeance profile with respect to time. This strongly indicated that there was no effect of concentration polarization on the membranes. Also, both long-term and short-term stability (in means of flux and selectivity) of these membranes validated the reduction of fouling effect due to the chemical stabilility of PEEK-WC. In spite of the decrease in permeances, reusability and almost complete recovery (94.5%) of the used membranes make these membranes an attractive alternative for industrial applications. Specifically, almost full recovery of performance of PEEK-WC membranes, just by washing with water, makes them significant among commercially used membranes.