ECI Digital Archives

Title

Synthesis and characterization of carbon nanotube membranes for water treatment

Authors

Nozipho N. Gumbi, Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa Science Campus, South Africa ; Institute of Functional Interfaces (IFG), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, GermanyFollow
Bhekie B. Mamba, Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa Science Campus, South Africa
Edward N. Nxumalo, Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa Science Campus, South Africa
Andrea I. Schäfer, Institute of Functional Interfaces (IFG), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, Germany

Conference Dates

September 11-16, 2016

Abstract

This work presents the synthesis and characterization of carbon nanotube (CNT) incorporated polyethersulfone (PES) membranes. Firstly, CNTs were prepared via a nebulized spray pyrolysis of toluene (carbon source) and ferrocene (catalyst) mixture at a temperature of 850 ⁰C. The CNTs produced were then purified and functionalized by acid treatment to aid their interaction with the solvent and polymer during membrane preparation. Characterization techniques used for CNTs include scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, Raman spectroscopy analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The outer diameters of CNTs measured from SEM micrographs using Image J software were in the range of 10 – 14 nm. TGA analysis revealed that the CNTs undergo complete thermal degradation after acid treatment; i.e. no catalyst particle residues were detected after 600 ⁰C.

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Recommended Citation

Nozipho N. Gumbi, Bhekie B. Mamba, Edward N. Nxumalo, and Andrea I. Schäfer, "Synthesis and characterization of carbon nanotube membranes for water treatment" in "Advanced Membrane Technology VII", Isabel C. Escobar, Professor, University of Kentucky, USA Jamie Hestekin, Associate Professor, University of Arkansas, USA Eds, ECI Symposium Series, (2016). https://dc.engconfintl.org/membrane_technology_vii/45