ABSTRACT

Flat sheet adsorptive ultrafiltration mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) of polysulfone

(PSf) embedded with self-synthesized hydrous ferric oxide nanoparticles (HFO NPs)
was fabricated for removing heavy metals from water. These MMMs come with
unique dual features of simultaneous separation and adsorption. The incorporation
of hydrous ferric oxide nanoparticles responsible for an improved heavy metals
removal (performance) and reduced fouling rate (loss). A very simple and practical
physical mixing and phase inversion technique used for the fabrication of
nanocomposite membranes resulted MMMs with synergistic functions: 1) as hybrid
adsorbent and 2)as membrane for ultrafiltration process. When tested, the MMMs
satisfactorily removed heavy metals from water. This prepared MMMs with improved
properties and dual functions may serve as a competitive product, in particularly
commercial nanofiltration(NF) and reverse osmosis(RO) membranes which is
commonly used to remove heavy metals for treating contaminated water.