A novel poly(ether-Sulfone) mixed matrix membranes infused with TiO2-BiFeO3 nanomaterials for the removal of toxic Congo red dye from textile wastewater

Abstract

By modification of ultrafiltration (UF) membranes for increased water flow and enhanced antifouling qualities, this work fills a significant gap in membrane filtration. Nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) was used to create a self-cleaning polyethersulfone (PES) membrane functionalized with TiO₂-BiFeO₃ (TBF) nanoparticles. FTIR, contact angle, TEM, FESEM, and porosity studies were used to characterize the membrane. While retaining good dye rejection, adding 0–0.1 wt percent TBF increased pure water flow from 10 to 55 kg m^-2 h^-1 and enhanced wettability (25 %) and porosity (35 %). With decreased dye adsorption and pore obstruction, CR elimination rose from 80 % (pristine PES) to 94.84 %. TBF functioned as a photocatalyst in visible light, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) that broke down contaminants and allowed for self-cleaning; after 10 h in the sun, the 0.05 wt percent TBF membrane recovered all of its flow. These findings show that PES/TBF membranes are a sustainable choice for improved membrane performance (permeability, selectivity, self-cleaning membrane characteristics include anti-fouling capabilities), effective dye treatment, and photocatalytic degradation, all of which help to safeguard the environment and provide cleaner water.