Preparation and performance analysis of novel nanocomposite copolymer membranes for Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solutions

In this work, novel polyacrylonitrile(88)copolymethylacrylate(12) and polyaniline(PANI) nanocomposites were prepared at various PANI loadings to remove chromium(VI) solution from water. The chemical structure, swelling and fracture morphology of the nanocomposite membranes were also studied. It was observed that PANI had a great impact on the chromium removal. Permeate flux and rejection of chromium(VI) was demonstrated for various pHs and chromium(VI) concentrations. The effect of solution pH on chromium(VI) removal was very significant. 99.5% chromium(VI) removal was observed at acidic pHs with high fluxes of approximately 1500 L/m2 h at 689.5 kPa. Also, it was demonstrated that nanocomposite membranes were fouling resistant.