Kinetics Studies on Free Radical Scavenging Property of Ceria in Polysulfone-Ceria Radiation Resistant Mixed-matrix Membrane

Cerium oxide (ceria) contains two stable states of cerium ions (Ce3+ and Ce4+). The presence of these two states, and the ability to swap from one state to another (Ce3+ ↔ Ce4+) by scavenging the highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from radiolysis of water, ensures the enhanced stability of polysulfone (Psf) membranes in the γ-radiation environment. In this study, the ROS scavenging ability of ceria was studied. Ceria nanoparticles were found to scavenge hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide by mimicking peroxidase-like activity. This is responsible for offering protection to the Psf host matrix, and in turn the stability to the Psf-ceria mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) in γ-radiation environment. Thus, presence of ceria nanoparticles provides an opportunity for the application of Psf-ceria MMMs in radioactive effluent treatment with increased life span, without compromise in the performance.