Polymeric membranes doped with copper nanoparticles synthesized by green chemistry using a saffron extract
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37636/recit.v8n2e404Keywords:
Copper nanoparticles, Green chemistry, Copper-membrane nanocomposites, Fouling surfaceAbstract
Recently, interest in metal nanoparticles (MNPs) has increased significantly, due to the special properties and potential applications they present in diverse areas. Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) in particular have attracted considerable attention due to their conductive, catalytic, optical, electrical and antibacterial properties. In the present research work, a methodology has been developed to support, by in situ and ex situ methods, CuNPs, synthesized by green chemistry using an aqueous extract of saffron (ExCs), on polymeric ultrafiltration membranes. The obtained nanocomposites (CuNPs/ExCs) were characterized by FTIR/ATR, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM-EDS), XRD, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and permeability and fouling rate analysis. The permeability results obtained show that the method used to support the CuNPs/ExCs on the polymeric membrane, affects their permeability and fouling degree. The composites obtained using the in situ methodology (using sodium borohydride or ascorbic acid, as reducing agents), presented higher permeability (1.14x10-8 m/Pa.s and 1.94x10-9 m/Pa.s, respectively) and membrane surface fouling rates of 28.2 and 2.89%, respectively. The results demonstrate that CuNPs repel organic matter, thus reducing fouling of the polymeric membrane surface.
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