Enantiomeric and racemic effect of tartaric acid on polysulfone membrane during crystal violet dye removal by MEUF process

The enantiomeric and racemic effect of tartaric acid was studied on the properties of polysulfone (PSn) ultrafiltration membranes. Dextro-tartaric acid (d-TA) and dl-tartaric acid were used as additives in the present study. Investigation was done in terms of permeation and rejection behaviour of fabricated membrane for crystal violet dye, with and without an anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphate from aqueous media. Morphological study of the prepared membranes was done by field-emission scanning electron microscope, scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscopy. Whereas, contact angle, equilibrium water content, hydraulic resistance, porosity and ion exchange capacity were measured for finding the hydrophilicity (HPCT) of these membranes. The measurements of water contact angle provide evidence that the HPCT of PSn membrane increases by addition of the d-TA in the casting solution. This study shows that addition of d-TA in membrane results in enhanced pure water flux and rejection as well as higher permeation compared to ordinary PSn membrane.