Performance evaluation of modified nanohybrid membrane polyethersulfone-nano ZnO (PES-nano ZnO) using three combination effect of PVP, irradiation of ultraviolet and thermal for biodiesel purification

The main problems in biodiesel purification using membrane are low selectivity and fouling issue. Therefore, this research was developed on the modification polyethersulfone nanohybrid membranes which have excellent selectivity performance and anti-fouling behavior. The PES-nano ZnO nanohybrid membrane was fabricated by preparing dope solution composed of PES, nano ZnO and N-methyl Pyrrolidone as a solvent. UV irradiation, PVP addition, and thermal treatments were conducted to modify fabricated nanohybrid membranes. The modified membrane exhibited significant enhancement of hydrophilicity by lowering the water contact angle value from 66.17 degrees to 52.33 degrees. The initial flux of modified membrane increased up to 200% of the unmodified membrane's initial flux. Both of modified and unmodified membranes have rejection more than 91% that can lowering the glycerol content from 3.98 to 0.34 wt-%. The modified membrane presented less foulant deposition on the membrane surface. This membrane also performed excellent stability in term of permeate flux and rejection efficiency. It is verified that the concept of modified PES-nano ZnO membrane can achieve a higher membrane performance for biodiesel purification such as increased of flux, lowering the glycerol content, better antifouling behavior and excellent stability. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.