Evaluation of an extreme acid-resistant sulphonamide based nanofiltration membrane for the valorisation of copper acidic effluents

The exhaustion of Cu reserves minable and processable with the available technology is forcing hydrometallurgical copper industry to seek alternative sources. Following circular economy principles, researchers’ attention has focused on recovery valuable metals from acidic waste streams generated. Nowadays, membrane technologies are being selected as first for treatment valorisation such streams. Among them, a new generation high acidity resistance nanofiltration (NF) membranes offer acid while providing metal-enriched stream. In this work, extreme-acid resistant Duracid was evaluated different synthetic industry. These waters were characterised by (pH 0.5–1.5) presence Fe (11–14 g/L), Zn (0.7–1.4 g/L) As (0.5–0.7 among others. Initially, techniques (SEM, FTIR-ATR, XPS). Experiments performed under constant varying permeate flux feed water composition. Metals effectively rejected (>90%), whereas H+ easily permeated through membrane. experimental results adjusted Solution-Electro-Diffusion-Film (SEDF) model determine permeances species. Empirical mathematical equations developed validated express dependence solution Finally, prediction capability SEDF model, together empirical permeances, proposed tool designing NF unit valorise predicted gypsum scaling onto therefore anticipated need applying antiscalants.