Abstract
The disposal of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in water streams continues to be a challenge, where textile and pharmaceutical industries are major contributors to this global challenge. This review paper focuses on chemical and physical modification processes in place to successfully increase the performance of poly(ether)sulfone polymeric membranes with a much more improved hydrophilicity for the removal of POPs. This work is carried out for the effective and efficient removal of persistent organic pollutants in wastewater treatment plants. Poly(ether)sulfone remains the most preferred polymer in the synthesis and application of nano-filtration (NF) and ultra-filtration (UF) membranes. Using specific composition values, the phase inversion process is used for the distribution of additives or particles unto the membrane scaffold in order to fabricate the PES polymer. This tends to influence the polymer’s ideal chemical, mechanical and thermal stability. However, an observed high hydrophobicity is its main shortcoming, which frequently leads to the increased membrane fouling and flux. The performance of PES can however be improved by fabrication with suitable additives, and this automatically increases the hydrophilicity of the synthesized membrane. An approach in the PES modification differs in processes, (1) graft polymerization, where nano and micro particles are chemically imparted on the membrane scaffold; (2) plasma treatment, which uses chemical radicals and electronically excited particles, or gas under atmospheric pressure; and (3) physical pre-adsorption of hydrophilic components onto the membrane scaffold. Also, the bulk modification process was discussed further in this work as it seeks to bring a new approach in the modification process of PES membrane. This applies modification of the membrane materials before membrane synthesis by incorporating hydrophilic additives in the membrane matrix solution during the synthesis. Sulfonation and carboxylation techniques are discussed at the core of their mechanisms. In conclusion, polymer blending results in separation efficiencies being increased significantly and also resulting in improved surface characteristics.
Similar content being viewed by others
REFERENCES
WHO, Progress on Drinking Water, Sanitation and Hygiene: 2017 Update and SDG Baselines, World Health Organization (WHO), 2017.
Drinan, J.E. and Spellman, F., Water and Wastewater Treatment: A Guide for the Nonengineering Professional, Boca Raton: CRC, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781420031799
Badmus, K.O., Treatment of persistent organic pollutants in wastewater using hydrodynamic cavitation in synergy with advanced oxidation process, Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. Int., 2018, vol. 25, no. 8, pp. 7299–7314. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-1171-z
Zheng, X., Zhang, Z., Yu, D., Chen, X., Cheng, R., et al., Overview of membrane technology applications for industrial wastewater treatment in China to increase water supply, Resour. Conserv. Recycl., 2015, vol. 105, pp. 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2015.09.012
Wang, H., Park, M., Liang, H., Wu, S., Lopez, I.J., Ji, W., Li, G., and Snyder, S.A., Reducing ultrafiltration membrane fouling during potable water reuse using pre-ozonation, Water Res., 2017, vol. 125, pp. 42–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2017.08.030
Ulbricht, M., Advanced functional polymer membranes, Polymer, 2006, vol. 47, no. 7, pp. 2217–2262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2006.01.084
Li, J., Chen, C., Zhao, Y., Hu, J., Shao, D. and Wang, X., Synthesis of water-dispersible Fe3O4@β-cyclodextrin by plasma-induced grafting technique for pollutant treatment, Chem. Eng. J., 2013, vol. 229, pp. 296–303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2013.06.016
Thamaraiselvan, C. and Noel, M., Membrane processes for dye wastewater treatment: Recent progress in fouling control, Crit Rev. Environ. Sci. Technol., 2015, vol. 45, no. 10, pp. 1007–1040. https://doi.org/10.1080/10643389.2014.900242
Fini, M.N., Madsen, H.T., and Muff, J., Performance evaluation of NF/RO membranes for separation of BAM, MCPA and MCPP from Danish drinking water, Proceedings of AMTA/AWWA Membrane Technology Conference, West Palm Beach, FL, 2018.
Babu, J. and Murthy, Z., Treatment of textile dyes containing wastewaters with PES/PVA thin film composite nanofiltration membranes, Sep. Purif. Technol., 2017, vol. 183, pp. 66–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2017.04.002
Liu, Y., Ai, K., and Lu, L., Polydopamine and its derivative materials: Synthesis and promising applications in energy, environmental, and biomedical fields, Chem. Rev., 2014, vol. 114, no. 9, pp. 5057–5115. https://doi.org/10.1021/cr400407a
Tullis, R.H., Duffin, R.P., Zech, M., and Ambrus, J.L., Affinity hemodialysis for antiviral therapy, Blood Purif., 2003, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 58–63. https://doi.org/10.1159/000067865
Liu, Z., Deng, X., Wang, M., Chen, J., Zhang, A., Gu, Z. and Zhao, C., BSA-modified polyethersulfone membrane: Preparation, characterization and biocompatibility, J. Biomater. Sci., Polym. Ed., 2009, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 377–397. https://doi.org/10.1163/156856209x412227
Fernandez-Gonzalez, R., Yebra-Pimentel, I., Martinez-Carballo, E., and Simal-Gandara, J., A critical review about human exposure to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) through foods, Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr., 2015, vol. 55, no. 11, pp. 1590–1617. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2012.710279
Mustereţ, C.P. and Teodosiu, C., Removal of persistent organic pollutants from textile wastewater by membrane processes, Environ. Eng. Manage. J., 2007, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 175–187. https://doi.org/10.30638/eemj.2007.022
Bagheri, M., Rajabzadeh, S., Elmarghany, M.R., Moattari, R.M., Bakhtiari, O., Inada, A., Matsuyama, H., and Mohammadi, T., Preparation of a positively charged NF membrane by evaporation deposition and the reaction of PEI on the surface of the C-PES/PES blend UF membrane, Prog. Org. Coat., 2020, vol. 141, p. 105570. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.porgcoat.2020.105570
Mulder, M. and J. Mulder, Basic Principles of Membrane Technology, New York: Springer, 1996.
Plakas, K.V. and A.J. Karabelas, Removal of pesticides from water by NF and RO membranes—A review, Desalination, 2012, vol. 287, pp. 255–265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2011.08.003
Kiso, Y., Nishimura, Y., Kitao, T., and Nishimura, K., Rejection properties of non-phenylic pesticides with nanofiltration membranes, J. Membr. Sci., 2000, vol. 171, no. 2, pp. 229–237. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0376-7388(00)00305-7
Abdel-Karim, A., El-Naggar, M.E., Radwan, E.K., Mohamed, I.M., Azaam, M., and Kenawy, E., High-performance mixed-matrix membranes enabled by organically/inorganic modified montmorillonite for the treatment of hazardous textile wastewater, Chem. Eng. J., 2021, vol. 405, p. 126964. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2020.126964
Al Malek, S., Haddi, H., and Al-Abachi, A.M., Formation and characterization of polyethersulfone membranes using different concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone, Desalination, 2012, vol. 288, pp. 31–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2011.12.006
Salgin, S., Salgin, U., and Soyer, N., Streaming potential measurements of polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membranes to determine salt effects on membrane zeta potential, Int. J. Electrochem. Sci., 2013, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 4073–4084.
Wang, T., Zhao, C., Li, P., Li, Y., and Wang, J., Fabrication of novel poly (m-phenylene isophthalamide) hollow fiber nanofiltration membrane for effective removal of trace amount perfluorooctane sulfonate from water, J. Membr. Sci., 2015, vol. 477, pp. 74–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2014.12.038
Blanco, J.F., Sublet, J., Nguyen, Q.T., and Schaetzel, P., Formation and morphology studies of different polysulfones-based membranes made by wet phase inversion process, J. Membr. Sci., 2006, vol. 283, nos. 1–2, pp. 27–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2006.06.011
Lin, S.W., Lopez-Garcia, F.J., Perez-Sicarios, S., and Felix-Navarro, R.M., New method of synthesis of sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES) and effect of pH on synthetic gray water filtration performance by negatively charged SPES/PS UF membranes, Desalin. Water Treat., 2016, vol. 57, no. 52, pp. 24807–24819. https://doi.org/10.1080/19443994.2016.1157041
Klaysom, C., Ladewig, B.P., Lu, G.Q.M., and Wang, L., Preparation and characterization of sulfonated polyethersulfone for cation-exchange membranes, J. Membr. Sci., 2011, vol. 368, nos. 1–2, pp. 48–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2010.11.006
Ramachandran, B., Christa, J., and Shainy, F., A comparative study of polyethylene terephthalate surface carboxylation techniques: Characterization, in vitro haemocompatibility and endothelialization, React. Funct. Polym., 2018, vol. 122, pp. 22–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2017.11.001
Zarei, F., Moattari, R.M., Rajabzadeh, S., Bagheri, M., Taghizadeh, A., Mohammadi, T., and Matsuyama, H., Preparation of thin film composite nano-filtration membranes for brackish water softening based on the reaction between functionalized UF membranes and polyethyleneimine, J. Membr. Sci., 2019, vol. 588, pp. 117207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2019.117207
Wang, D., Zou, W., Li, L., Wei, Q., Sun, S., and Zhao, C., Preparation and characterization of functional carboxylic polyethersulfone membrane, J. Membr. Sci., 2011, vol. 374, nos. 1–2, pp. 93–101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2011.03.021
Cao, X.L., Cheng, C., Yin, Z.H., Bai, P.L., Wei, Q., Fang, B.H., Chang S., and Zhao, C.S., Synthesis, characterization, and application of polyethersulfone bound-iminodiacetic acid, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2011, vol. 120, no. 1, pp. 345–350. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.33137
Deng, B., Yang, X., Xie, L., Li, J., Hou, Z., Yao, S., Liang, G., Sheng, K., and Huang, Q., Microfiltration membranes with pH dependent property prepared from poly (methacrylic acid) grafted polyethersulfone powder, J. Membr. Sci., 2009, vol. 330, nos. 1–2, pp. 363–368. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2009.01.010
Boussu, K., Van Baelen, G., Colen, W., Eelen, D., Vanassche, S., Vandecasteele, C., and Van der Bruggen, B., Technical and economical evaluation of water recycling in the carwash industry with membrane processes, Water Sci. Technol., 2008, vol. 57, no. 7, pp. 1131–1135. https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2008.236
Navarro, R., Gonzalez, M.P., Saucedo, I., Avila, M., Prádanos, P., Martínez, F., Martín, A., and Hernández, A., Effect of an acidic treatment on the chemical and charge properties of a nanofiltration membrane, J. Membr. Sci., 2008, vol. 307, no. 1, pp. 136–148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2007.09.015
Kim, J.H. and Kim, C.K., Ultrafiltration membranes prepared from blends of polyethersulfone and poly (1-vinylpyrrolidone-co-styrene) copolymers, J. Membr. Sci., 2005, vol. 262, no. 1–2, pp. 60–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2005.04.003
Wang, H., Yu, T., Zhao, C. and Qiyun, D., Improvement of hydrophilicity and blood compatibility on polyethersulfone membrane by adding polyvinylpyrrolidone, Fibers Polym., 2009, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12221-009-0001-4
Wang, Y.Q., Wang, T., Su, Y.L., Peng, F.B., Wu, H., and Jiang, Z.Y., Protein-adsorption-resistance and permeation property of polyethersulfone and soybean phosphatidylcholine blend ultrafiltration membranes, J. Membr. Sci., 2006, vol. 270, no. 1–2, pp. 108–114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2005.06.044
Li, S., Cui, Z., Zhang, L., He, B., and Li, J., The effect of sulfonated polysulfone on the compatibility and structure of polyethersulfone-based blend membranes, J. Membr. Sci., 2016, vol. 513, pp. 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2016.04.035
Lalia, B.S., Kochkodan, V., Hashaikeh, R., and Hilal, N., A review on membrane fabrication: Structure, properties and performance relationship, Desalination, 2013, vol. 326, pp. 77–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2013.06.016
Freger, V., Arnot, T., and Howell, J., Separation of concentrated organic/inorganic salt mixtures by nanofiltration, J. Membr. Sci., 2000, vol. 178, nos. 1–2, pp. 185–193. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0376-7388(00)00516-0
Pang, W., Gao, N., and Xia, S., Removal of DDT in drinking water using nanofiltration process, Desalination, 2010, vol. 250, no. 2, pp. 553–556. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2009.09.022
Mukherjee, D., Bhattachary, P., Jana, A., Bhattachary, S., Sarkar, S., Ghosh, S., Majumdar, S., and Swarnakar, S., Synthesis of ceramic ultrafiltration membrane and application in membrane bioreactor process for pesticide remediation from wastewater, Process Saf. Environ. Prot., 2018, vol. 116, pp. 22–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2018.01.010
Guo, W., Ngo, H.H. and Li, J., A mini-review on membrane fouling, Bioresour. Technol., 2012, vol. 122, pp. 27–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2012.04.089
Li, X., Sotto, A., Li, J., Van der Bruggen, B., Progress and perspectives for synthesis of sustainable antifouling composite membranes containing in situ generated nanoparticles, J. Membr. Sci., 2017, vol. 524, pp. 502–528. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2016.11.040
Guo, H., Tang, X., Ganschow, G., and Korshin, G.V., Differential ATR FTIR spectroscopy of membrane fouling: Contributions of the substrate/fouling films and correlations with transmembrane pressure, Water Res., 2019, vol. 161, pp. 27–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2019.05.086
Liu, S.X., Kim, J.T., Kim, S., and Singh, M., The effect of polymer surface modification via interfacial polymerization on polymer–protein interaction, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2009, vol. 112, no. 3, pp. 1704–1715. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.29606
Liu, S.X. and Kim, J.T., Characterization of surface modification of polyethersulfone membrane, J. Adhes. Sci. Technol., 2011, vol. 25, nos. 1–3, pp. 193–212. https://doi.org/10.1163/016942410x503311
Yi, Z., Zhu, L.P., Xu, Y.Y., Zhao, Y.F., Ma, X.T., Zhu, B.K., Polysulfone-based amphiphilic polymer for hydrophilicity and fouling-resistant modification of polyethersulfone membranes, J. Membr. Sci., 2010, vol. 365, nos. 1–2, pp. 25–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2010.08.001
Bolong, N., Ismail, A.F., M.R. Salim, M.R., Rana, D., Matsuura, T., Development and characterization of novel charged surface modification macromolecule to polyethersulfone hollow fiber membrane with polyvinylpyrrolidone and water, J. Membr. Sci., 2009, vol. 331, nos. 1–2, pp. 40–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2009.01.008
Jansen, J.C., Darvishmanesh, S., Tasselli, F., Bazzarelli, F., Bernardo, P., Tocci, E., Friess, K., Randova, A., Drioli, E., and van der Bruggen, B., Influence of the blend composition on the properties and separation performance of novel solvent resistant polyphenylsulfone/polyimide nanofiltration membranes, J. Membr. Sci., 2013, vol. 447, pp. 107–118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2013.07.009
Adams, F.V., Edward N. Nxumalo, E.N., Krause, R.W.M., Hoek, E.M.V., Mamba, B.B., Preparation and characterization of polysulfone/β-cyclodextrin polyurethane composite nanofiltration membranes, J. Membr. Sci., 2012, vol. 405, pp. 291–299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2012.03.023
Mu, L.J. and Zhao, W.Z., Hydrophilic modification of polyethersulfone porous membranes via a thermal-induced surface crosslinking approach, Appl. Surf. Sci., 2009, vol. 255, no. 16, pp. 7273–7278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2009.03.081
Peeva, P.D., Million, N., and Ulbricht, U., Factors affecting the sieving behavior of anti-fouling thin-layer cross-linked hydrogel polyethersulfone composite ultrafiltration membranes, J. Membr. Sci., 2012, vol. 390, pp. 99–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2011.11.025
Zhao, W., Huang, J., Fang, B., Nie, S., Yi, N., Su, B., Li, H., and Zhao, C., Modification of polyethersulfone membrane by blending semi-interpenetrating network polymeric nanoparticles, J. Membr. Sci., 2011, vol. 369, nos. 1–2, pp. 258–266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2010.11.065
Yu, S., Zhang, S., Li, F., and Zhao, X., Poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) modified poly (vinylidene fluoride) ultrafiltration membrane via a two-step surface grafting for radioactive wastewater treatment, Sep. Purif. Technol., 2018, vol. 194, pp. 404–409. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2017.10.051
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors are grateful to the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) environmental research group for assisting with FTIR and technical support.
Funding
This study was supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF), grant nos. MND190619448884, SFH160701175565, AEMD170601235909.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.
DATA AVAILABILITY
The data shared will be available upon request from the author(s).
About this article
Cite this article
Siyabonga Aubrey Mhlongo, Sibali, L.L. & Ndibewu, P.P. Some Aspects of the Synthesis, Characterization and Modification of Poly(ether)sulfone Polymeric Membrane for Removal of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Wastewater Samples. J. Water Chem. Technol. 45, 388–401 (2023). https://doi.org/10.3103/S1063455X23040094
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3103/S1063455X23040094