NaCMC-decorated ZnO nanocomposite polymer membranes for the separation of reactive dyes from textile water

The present study describes the removal of reactive black 5 (RB5) using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC)-stabilized ZnO nanocomposite (ZnO-NaCMC)-incorporated polymer membranes (PMs). Herein, PMs were fabricated using six different polymers, such as cellulose triacetate (CTA), polysulfone (PSF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) and polyetherimide (PEI). The permeation experiments, hydrophilicity, porosity, mechanical stability and ultrafiltration performance for RB5 dye removal and dye adsorption capacity of the membranes were tested for the as-prepared PMs. Water permeation studies revealed that ZnO-NaCMC nanocomposite-embedded PMs exhibit higher flux than all pristine polymer membranes. The incorporation of the ZnO-NaCMC nanocomposite into the dope solution increased the hydrophilicity and adsorption capacity of the PMs. In addition, the mechanical strength of the PMs was also enhanced owing to the presence of the ZnO-NaCMC nanocomposite in the membrane. PPSU/ZnO-NaCMC and PEI/ZnO-NaCMC PMs showed good colour rejection and appreciable water flux compared to pristine PMs. Moreover, the anti-fouling properties of the PMs have also been enhanced by adding ZnO-NaCMC nanocomposites. Nanostructured ZnO/carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposite-embedded polymer membranes developed for the removal of reactive black 5 (RB5) dye from textile water.