Development of bacterial cellulose/alginate nanocomposite membrane for separation of ethanol–water mixtures

A bacterial cellulose (BC) hydrogel was modified via impregnation by diffusion of sodium alginate and cross-linking with calcium chloride solution. BC/alginate (BCA) membranes were configured, characterized, and used for pervaporation of mixtures of ethanol–water. BCA membranes were more hydrophilic with a more dense structure and showed improved affinity toward water and considerable enhancement of pervaporation performance. At a permeate pressure of 10 mmHg, the BCA membrane impregnated with 3% (w/v) alginate solution separated water from ethanol in the feed solution (95%, w/w) with 429.9 selectivity, and a total permeate flux of 33 g/(m2 h).

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