Enhanced ultrafiltration PES membranes doped with mesostructured functionalized silica particles

• Mesostructured silica functionalized with amino or carboxylic groups was synthesized.
• Novel PES composite membranes were prepared by doping with mesostructured SBA-15.
• Membrane morphology was determined by accessibility and number of hydrophilic sites.
• Enhanced hydrophilicity and permeation are gained for PES/mesostructured SBA-15.
• Antifouling membrane properties are increased by doping mesostructured SBA-15.

Novel hybrid ultrafiltration membranes have been prepared by incorporation of mesostructured functionalized silica particles in polyethersulfone. Physico-chemical characterization of synthesized materials was accomplished to determine the textural and structural properties of particles by nitrogen adsorption–desorption and TEM. A successful functionalization of silica with amine and carboxylic groups was confirmed by means of MAS-NMR. Membrane surface morphology was studied in terms of pore size distribution, porosity and hydrophilicity, suggesting a great influence of mesostructured silica incorporation in polyethersulfone on the polymer matrix configuration. Membrane functions were significantly improved as a result of a considerable increase of water permeation without affecting negatively the membrane selectivity. The antifouling membrane properties were also enhanced, especially against irreversible fouling. Multi-run fouling tests of modified membranes confirmed the stability of permeation through membranes doped with mesostructured functionalized silica particles.

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