Synthesis of graphene oxide/polyimide mixed matrix membranes for desalination

Abstract

Nanohybrid graphene oxide (GO)/polyimide (PI) mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were prepared by dispersing GO into PI through wet phase inversion method. The structure of GO/PI MMMs was characterized by using XRD, FT-IR and XPS. FESEM was used to analyze the morphology of the GO/PI MMMs. The hydrophilicity of the GO/PI MMMs was determined by static water contact angles. The performances of the GO/PI MMMs were evaluated for desalination of seawater through pervaporation. The GO/PI MMMs display excellent water permeability and salt rejection for desalination of different concentrations of seawater. At 90 °C, the GO/PI MMMs exhibit a high water flux (36.1 kg m⁻² h⁻¹) and a high salt rejection (99.9%). Further, the GO/PI MMM displays a high stability for seawater desalination. This high separation performance combined with high stability and facile fabrication route recommend the developed GO/PI MMMs as a promising candidate for desalination of seawater.