Studying the Effect of Shortening Carbon Nanotubes via Ball Milling on Cellulose Acetate Nanocomposite Membranes for Desalination Applications

Membranes

Adham R. Ramadan¹  Nouran A. Elbadawi¹  Amal M. K. Esawi² 

[1] Department of Chemistry, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt;Department of Mechanical Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt;

关键词: carbon nanotubes;    cellulose acetate;    nanocomposite membranes;    ball milling;    desalination;    nanofiltration;   

DOI  :  10.3390/membranes12050474

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Studying the effect of different sizes of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on mixed matrix membranes in nanofiltration applications has not been widely reported in the literature. In this study, two different lengths of functionalized CNTs were used to investigate such effect. First, CNTs were shortened by using high-energy ball milling at 400 RPM, with a ball-to-powder weight ratio (BPR) of 120:1. Characterization of the structure of the CNTs was carried out using TEM, XRD, SEM, BET, and Raman Spectroscopy. Second, 0.001 wt % of unmilled and milled CNTs were incorporated into cellulose acetate nanocomposite membranes, Eli-0 (unmilled), and Eli-400 (milled at 400 RPM) to study their effects on the membranes’ morphology, porosity, hydrophilicity, and performance analysis in terms of permeation and salt retention rates of 5000 ppm Na₂SO₄. Results showed that shortening CNTs enhanced the membranes’ hydrophilicity and affected macrovoid and micropore formation. Furthermore, shortening CNTs resulted in opening their caps and improved the permeation rates with a slight adverse effect on salt retention.

【 授权许可】

Unknown