Discipline: Nanoscience or Materials Science
Subcategory: Nanoscience
Session: 2
Room: Senate
Shehu-Alimi Elelu - Delaware State University
Co-Author(s): Kimberly Milligan, Cherese Winstead
AbstractPhase inversion membranes are widely employed in many research organizations and industries ranging from biomedical and chemical industries to environmental treatment processes. This article highlights the application of the nonsolvent-induced phase method in the fabrication and characterization of polysulfone mixed matrix membranes (MMM) improved with Chitosan, Cellulose, and Titanium Oxide. Because polysulfone membranes are reported to have poor permeability with high fouling properties, therefore, this research was carried out to produce a mixed matrix membrane that has improved permeability and mechanical and reduced fouling properties using Chitosan, Cellulose, and Titanium Oxide as additives. Polysulfone membranes blended with chitosan, cellulose, and titanium oxide were prepared by the nonsolvent Induced Phase Inversion method. Characterization methods such as SEM, FTIR, XRD, Contact Angle, and TGA of the MMM were conducted. The hydroxyl and amine functional groups in the chitosan and cellulose showed increased hydrophilicity of the surface of the MMM, which was supported by contact angle measurements showing 67 ± 20. The SEM analysis of the mixed matrix membranes revealed a highly porous surface, finger-like projections in the sub-layer showing a macro void structure at the base. The FTIR spectra of the MMM were analyzed to confirm that the absorption bands of the functional groups present conform with that present in the materials. XRD result of the membrane also signifies the crystalline regions observed in 2θ = 15.4 degrees.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): 1. National Science Foundation2. HBGI3. National Institute of Health
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kimberly Milligan, kmilligan@desu.edu
Role: I did all the Fabrication and Characterization parts of this research.