Abstract:
Amine-functionalized MCM-41 (NH2-MCM-41) modified composite PVDF ultrafiltration (UF) membrane was prepared for removing chromium (VI) in aqueous solution. The porous NH2-MCM-41 nanoparticles formed a symmetrical hydrophilic and adsorptive layer above the thin film which endowed the composite membrane with affinity to chromium (VI). The results showed that the flux attenuation ratio declined from 54.1 to 24.8 % during 1 h filtration experiment with the modified UF membrane compared to the pristine membrane. Static adsorption experiments showed that the maximum adsorption capacity of chromium (VI) on membrane was 2.8 mg/g at initial concentration of 20 mg/l and pH value of 3.5, and temperature of 25oC, and adsorption reached equilibrium within 5 min. The continuous UF experiments demonstrate that the membrane can be used as effective filter medium to purify the water with the chromium concentration less than 0.5 mg/L during 11 h filtration(initial concentration: Cr (VI) = 0.62 mg/L). It is effective to endow the UF with capacity to remove heavy metals, and to enhance its anti-fouling ability by the method reported in the study.