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    Development of graphene oxide-coated membranes to support the process of removing pharmacological agents from water

    Year: 2021

    Journal: Desalin. Water Treat., Volume 214, FEB, page 49–55

    Authors: Polak, Daniel; Tonecka, Izabela; Fabianowski, Wojciech; Szwast, Maciej

    Organizations: National Centre for Research and Development

    Keywords: Water treatment; Membrane modification; Graphene oxide; Pharmaceuticals

    Inefficient removal of pharmacological agents from water in sewage treatment plants leads to the introduction of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, into the hydrological cycle, and also contributes to the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This problem requires the development of new technologies that will support conventional treatment. One of the solutions is the use of membrane processes (microfiltration, ultrafiltration, membrane bioreactor) using membranes covered with materials with adsorptive and bactericidal properties. One of the substances that has these two properties is graphene oxide (GO). This paper presents the results of research on the modification of commercial microfiltration membranes involving the chemical attachment of graphene oxide to the membrane surface using a (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (3-APTES) precursor and applying a GO-PEBAX 2533 (polyether block amide type 2533) layer in the dip-coating process. Using the scanning electron microscopy microscopic analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy method and contact angle measurements, the presence of GO particles on the membrane surface and the change of membrane surface properties were confirmed. In the tests, aqueous solutions of sulfadiazine and amoxicillin were used. The amount of the adsorbed substances in a stationary system were: 31.03 and 4.77 mg/m(2), respectively. The membranes modified by GO are able to adsorb the pharmacological substances, which was confirmed in the flow system. In addition, the effects of modification on the membrane structure using a porosimeter and on water permeability based on the filtration coefficient were determined.
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