Performance of octadecylamine-functionalized graphene oxide nanosheets in polydimethylsiloxane mixed matrix membranes for removal of toluene from water by pervaporation

Functionalized and reduced graphene oxide nanosheets with octadecylamine (rGOODA) were incorporated in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membranes to be used pervaporation for removal of toluene from water. The properties the functionalized characterized by FTIR, XRD, Raman, SEM, TGA analyses. prepared mixed matrix (MMMs) using contact angle, AFM, SEM-EDX, TGA, solvent uptake tests. contained (rGO) represented 111% increment enrichment factor compared that bare-PDMS owing Π-Π interaction toluene's aromatic ring as well high aspect ratio rGO causes more tortuous pathways water permeation. By incorporating rGOODA MMMs, separation was increased about 164% rather than rGO-contained membrane, which could mainly attributed closer Hansen solubility parameter toluene, repelling membrane due hydrophobicity steric hindrance nanosheets, their dispersion compatibility polymeric matrix. pervaporative performance different filler contents investigated a function operational temperatures feed concentrations. MMM 0.4 wt% presented best at 30 °C 150 ppm concentration.