Electrolyte removal by mixed matrix membranes based on polyurethane

The membrane processes play a significant role in the water and wastewater treatment to remove dissolved solids, especially electrolytes. In this study, the asymmetric mixed matrix membranes based on polyurethane and SAPO-5 zeolite were used on electrolyte (NaCl) removal from water. Using a low operating pressure, the membrane performances (i.e., pure water permeation, flux and salt rejection) were measured. All membranes were showing an increase in water flux when the pressure was increased. This situation shows that the produced membranes were stable in producing flux and were suitable to be used to proceed for membrane testing process. Based on the results obtained, rejection of salt water increased as the pressure given increased for each membrane. The mixed matrix membranes showed the high rejection for the salt water (NaCl 0.02 M). This shows the good performance in both flux and rejection, and even achieves 98% rejection for the NaCl 0.02 M. Based on the experimental results, it is believed that these mixed matrix membranes are suitable for the electrolytes removal applications.