The influence of pore generating agent on the efficiency of copper and iron ions removal from liquid phase by polyethersulfone membranes

Preparation of polymeric membranes based on polyethersulfone (PES) modified by adding different amounts of pore generating agent (PVP) is presented and potential application of the membranes obtained for removal of copper and iron ions from the liquid phase is examined. It has been shown that addition of various amounts of PVP affects the physical (porosity, equilibrium water content and permeability) and chemical (content of the surface oxygen group, pH) properties of the membranes. Filtration of iron and copper solution leads to significant changes in the total content of surface oxides, however the acidic groups remain dominant. The membranes were proved to be more effective in removal of iron ions than copper ones. The most efficient in iron ions removal was the membrane of the lowest content of PVP. For the majority of membranes the cake resistance brings the greatest contribution to the total resistance.