Preparation and Characterization of an Antifouling Polyethersulfone Nanofiltration Membrane Blended with Graphene Oxide/Ag Nanoparticles

Graphene oxide/Ag nanoparticles (Ag/GO) was prepared and employed to synthesize antifouling polyethersulfone (PES) mixed matrix membranes. The performance of the membranes was evaluated in terms of flux, hydrophilicity and anti-biofouling properties. With increment of the Ag/GO from 0 to 0.1 wt.%, the pure water flux increased from 24.7 up to 54.1 kg/m2 h. The flux recovery ratio (FRR) of the membranes was performed using milk powder solution and the results illustrated that the 0.1 wt.% Ag/GO membrane had the best fouling resistance with the FRR value of 95.45%. The performance of the nanofiltration was assessed using the retention of Direct Red 16. It was indicated that the Ag/GO-PES membranes have remarkable dye removal (98.38% rejection). The anti-biofouling activities of the 0.1 wt.% Ag/GO mixed matrix membrane was also investigated using activated sludge and the results showed a notable improvement.