The effect of activated carbon nanoparticles (ACNPs) on characterization and mechanical properties of polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membranes

Membrane technologies have developed as one of the main contributors to the resolution of water-related problems. This study seeks to examine the impact of active carbon nanoparticles (ACNPs) on the characterization and mechanical properties of polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membranes. The PES-AC composites were prepared using the phase inversion technique with a doctor blade by including ACNPs at varied weight percentages (0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 wt%). Produced membranes were characterized using FTIR, TGA, SEM, and XRD techniques, and the mechanical properties were evaluated using a tensile test, following the guidelines of the ASTM 638M-3 standard, utilizing a uniaxial universal testing machine. SEM images reveal that PES pure membranes consist of a porous bulk layer and dense skin layer. The addition of ACNPs decreased the pore size of the membranes with total thickness varying from 140 to 150 μm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that with increasing ACNPs concentration, the peak intensities are related to C–C stretching bonds and acidic C–O groups. The XRD analysis showed that with higher ACNPs loading, there are a decrease in the amorphous phase of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) and the highest intensity (2θ = 12.99°) at 2% ACNPs concentration. The tensile strength of the MMMs increased and reached an ideal value of 3.386 MPa when loaded with 2% ACNPs. Also, the optimum rate of tensile strain with 40% enhancement was achieved with 2% ACNPs compared with the pristine PES membrane.