Embedding low–cost 1D and 2D iron pillared nanoclay to enhance the stability of polyethersulfone membranes for the removal of bisphenol A from water

A novel polyethersulfone (PES) mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) loaded with iron (Fe) pillared nanoclay was fabricated for efficient rejection of bisphenol (BPA) from water. Low–cost one dimensional (1D) halloysite (FePHNTs), two (2D) bentonite (FePB), and 2D Cloisite 15A (FePC15A) were synthesized via pillaring procedure. XRD, TEM, EDS BET results indicated that the nanoclays successfully pillared. Pillared into MMMs at different loading percentages using phase inversion fabrication technique. Existence within significantly enhanced hydrophilicity, stability water flux than pristine PES (Y0) membrane. 0.5 wt% FePB Y4 exhibited higher BPA pH = 9. This attributed to activated surface 1D FeHNTs FePC15A MMMs. The electrostatic repulsion between dissociated negatively charged rejection. effect operating pressure concentration on better Y0 Further, influence humic acid experiments confirmed a significant improvement in efficiency 69.5% Overall, displayed excellent membrane performance potential treatment applications.