Synergistic fabrication of copper oxide (Cu2O) nanocomposites leveraging graphene oxide (GO) as a foundation for rapid filtration membranes

Abstract

Nanofiltration, a practice vigorous for innumerable applications, comprising water purification, expressions challenges in attaining optimal enactment by means of graphene-based membranes. These membranes contest to balance effective water flow and operative rejection rates. Addressing this concern, the present investigation leads Cu₂O nanoparticles integrated within graphene oxide (GO) membranes. These nanoparticles, substitute as structural pillars, improve membrane performance. Particularly, their production includes an exceptional approach employing a citrus peel extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The composite membrane formation relies on electrostatic interactions and coordination bonding between Cu₂O nanoparticles and oxygen-containing functional groups in GO, which enhances the membrane’s structural stability and performance. Compared to a pristine GO membrane, the Cu₂O/GO composite demonstrates a significant increase in both water flux and salt rejection. By leveraging size exclusion effects, the Cu₂O nanoparticles expressively lift water flux, getting a remarkable rate of 64 L m⁻² h⁻¹ bar⁻¹ to 412 L m⁻² h⁻¹ bar⁻¹, whereas synchronously attaining an imposing rejection rate of 88% to 99% for salts and other molecular species which is higher as compared to the pristine GO membranes as under similar conditions. Additionally, the subsequent Cu₂O/GO membranes reveal significant stability, mainly in acidic and alkaline environments, due to their incomparable chemical composition. These results highlight the potential of Cu₂O/GO composite membranes in nanofiltration applications, showcasing an efficient approach to improving water purification performance through material enhancement. Their superior permeation and rejection aptitudes propose that these membranes could be greatly beneficial in numerous industrial progressions requiring competent separation techniques.