Effect of iron oxide nanoparticles on the performance of polyamide membrane for ground water purification

Maghemite iron oxide nanoparticles (γ-Fe2O3) with a size of about 10 nm have been successfully incorporated in mixed matrix reverse osmosis membranes based on interfacial polymerization (IP) of thin film nanocomposite (TFNC) on porous polysulfone supports. TFNC elaborated in this study comprise iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs), with different concentrations varying from 0.1 to 0.9 wt%, dispersed in polyamide host matrix. The performances of the obtained TFNC were evaluated based on the water permeability and salt rejection. Results indicated that the NPs improved membrane performance under optimal NP concentration. By changing the content of the filler, better hydrophilicity was obtained; the contact angle was decreased from 74° to 29°. Also, with initial NaCl concentration of 2000 ppm and under pressure of 225 psi, the permeate water flux increased from 26 to 44 L/m2 h at NPs concentration of 0.3% with the maintaining of high salt rejection of 98%.