Polyethersulfone membranes with integrated adsorbent particles for heavy metals capture

Abstract

Novel polyethersulfone membranes with integrated submicron adsorbent particles were prepared by combining photoirradiation with liquid phase inversion. These particles consist of cross-linked poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid), pGMA-AMPS. After membrane preparation, the epoxide groups were reacted with diethylene triamine to incorporate amine functionalities. Membranes were characterized using FTIR-ATR, SEM and dynamic adsorption of copper from a dilute solution. Effects of monomer concentrations on the properties and separation performance of membrane adsorbers are presented.