functionalized halloysite nanotubes and graphene oxide nanosheets fillers incorporated in uf membranes for oil/water separation

Novel ultrafiltration mixed matrix membranes combined by dual nanofillers graphene oxide + functionalized halloysite nanotubes (go/fhnts) were prepared. in this work, we improved the performance and properties of polycarbonate-based membranes for oil/water separation applications. the morphology and other properties of the fabricated membranes were characterized by different analytical method including field emission scanning electron microscope (fesem), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ftir), contact angle goniometer, and mechanical strength apparatus. the obtained results confirmed that addition of go/fhnts had a positive effect on hydrophilicity and tensile strength. also, the water permeation of the optimum go0.25-fhnt0.75 membrane was about 2.5 times more than pure polycarbonate. overall results showed that all membranes reached 100% oil separation efficiency at various ultrafiltration times. furthermore, the optimum membrane showed a flux recovery ratio of more than 90% where the permeate fluxes of feed solutions with 100 ppm and 200 ppm olive oil concentrations were reduced to only about 5.5% and 6% after three regeneration cycles, respectively.