Ag2CO3@UiO-66-NH2 embedding graphene oxide sheets photocatalytic membrane for enhancing the removal performance of Cr(VI) and dyes based on filtration

• Published in: Desalination 2020-10, Vol.491, p.114558, Article 114558
• Main Authors: Zeng, Haojie, Yu, Zongxue, Shao, Liangyan, Li, Xiuhui, Zhu, Meng, Liu, Yuchuan, Feng, Xiaofang, Zhu, Ximei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ag2CO3@UiO-66-NH2; Cr(VI) and dyes; Graphene oxide; Improved removal performance; Photocatalytic membrane
• ISSN: 0011-9164; 1873-4464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.desal.2020.114558

A novel photocatalytic membrane was prepared by using graphene oxide (GO), UiO-66-NH2 and Ag2CO3 as basic materials on the surface of PVDF membrane by vacuum filtration self-assembly. The prepared Ag2CO3@UiO-66-NH2/GO (AgCO@UiO/GO) membrane was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The AgCO@UiO/GO membrane possessed the photocatalytic effects, which significantly enhanced the separation effect of dyes and Cr(VI) wastewater. In particular, the AgCO@UiO/GO membrane can achieve complete removal of MB, RB,MR and Cr(VI) under light conditions maintaining the fluxes during filtration process reach about 50 L · m−2 · h−1. In addition, after long-time experiments, the AgCO@UiO/GO membrane retained a higher removal rate and maintained a high flux under light conditions than without light for all dyes and Cr(VI). The unique structure of AgCO@UiO/GO membrane with a large number of screening structures and photocatalytic activity resulting a better removal rate for pollutants and reducing membrane fouling. Furthermore, the AgCO@UiO/GO membrane shows a great potential in improving membrane removal performance and a solution to balance trade-off effect. •Ag2CO3@UiO-66-NH2 (AgCO@UiO) was embedded between GO sheets by self-assembly.•The addition of AgCO@UiO between GO nanosheets can screen and adsorb pollutants.•Embedded AgCO@UiO between GO sheets maximized the flux during filtration.•AgCO@UiO/GO membrane showed better removal performance under light conditions.