Membrane synthesis for demineralization purpose

Abstract

In order to obtain highly efficient removal of Arsenic from contaminated water in lower operating cost, replacing Reverse Osmosis membrane with Ultrafiltration membrane incorporated with a highly efficient adsorbent can be a potential method. Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH) are a group of ionic lamellar compounds consists of positively charged Brucite-like layers with an interlayer region containing charge compensating anions and water molecules. Ion exchange is the most prominent and effective mechanism for removal of metal ions from water by LDH. In this study, a number of Layer Double Hydroxides (doped with different metal ions) have been synthesized via co precipitation method. The structure and composition of pristine and doped LDH have been investigated by XRD, SEM, TG-DTA, FTIR. The comparative of pristine and doped LDH in terms of adsorption capacity has been shown via different adsorption model i.e., Langmuir model, Freundlich model. Graphene Oxide is a carbonaceous material containing more oxygen rich polar. In order to design a highly efficient adsorbent for trapping arsenic ions from wastewater, a nanocomposite of layered double hydroxide with Graphene oxide have been synthesized via co-precipitation technique at inert atmosphere and its arsenic absorption will be further investigated under varying conditions such as pH, concentration, adsorbent loading and the time of contact. Lastly a PSF polymeric membrane incorporating the nano-adsorbent has been prepared in the laboratory via phase inversion process for easy removal of contaminants from wastewater. Some characterizations of membrane have been carried out. The adsorption study by membrane is yet to be accomplished.