Structure and filtration performance of fibrous composite membranes containing environmentally friendly materials for water purification

A fibrous composite membrane consisting of a chitosan (CS) barrier layer and a poly(hydroxybutyrate-cohydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) fibrous substrate was manufactured as a filter for water purification. The PHBV fibrous supporting layer was fabricated via electrospinning technique, and then the CS solution cast on the PHBV fibers to form the top barrier layer. The structural morphology, mechanical property and adsorption capability of the PHBV/CS membranes were thoroughly investigated. Three heavy metal ions were used to evaluate the equilibrium absorption capacities of the chosen membranes. The equilibrium absorption capacities for Cu(II), Pb(II) and Cd(II) were 64.08 mg/g, 90.32 mg/g and 148.96 mg/ g, respectively. Meanwhile, the rejection ratio of PHBV/CS composite membrane for two disperse dyes could reach to 99 %. The results indicated that PHBV fibrous substrate could not only enhance the mechanical strength of the top barrier layer, but also improve the water permeation of the membrane. This study extended the application of an environmentally friendly material in the water purification without causing much trouble about scrap film.