Removal of Congo red dye by ultrafiltration composite membrane of PpPD/PVA on flat pozzolan/micronized phosphate ceramic support

• Published in: Desalination and water treatment 2021-11, Vol.240, p.165-176
• Main Authors: Beqqour, Dounia, Taanaoui, Wiame, Ouammou, Mohamed, Younssi, Saad Alami, Bennazha, Jamal, Cody, Jason A., El Rhazi, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Composite membrane; Congo red dye; Poly(p-phenylenediamine); Poly(vinyl alcohol); Pozzolan/micronized phosphate; Ultrafiltration
• ISSN: 1944-3986; 1944-3986
• DOI: 10.5004/dwt.2021.27640

A new composite ultrafiltration membrane made of poly(p-phenylenediamine) and poly(vinyl alcohol) as a selective layer on flat ceramic support fabricated from pozzolan and micronized phosphate was developed and characterized. The p-phenylenediamine was polymerized via a chemical route. The active layer was deposited on the flat support by dip-coating. The poly(p-phenylenediamine) and 10 wt.% of polyvinyl alcohol solution were used as the initial suspension. The composite membrane was kept for 24 h at 60°C. The developed membrane was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, as well as water contact angle, permeability and filtration performance measurements. The obtained ultrafiltration membrane has a thickness of 4.1 μm, a water contact angle of 50°, a permeability of 12.20 L/h m2 bar and pore size of 43 nm. In addition, the composite membrane presents good adhesion on the flat support. Furthermore, it was evaluated by tangential filtration of Congo red dye. The dye filtration was optimized by varying the operating conditions including the applied pressure (1–3 bar), the feed concentration (20–600 ppm) as well as the feed pH (4–10). Under the optimal conditions of Congo red filtration, the developed membrane achieved a rejection of 99.54% (at ΔP = 3 bar, C = 600 ppm and pH = 4).