Abstract

DARAMOLA, M.O.; SILINDA, B.; MASONDO, S.  and  OLUWASINA, O.O.. Polyethersulphone-sodalite (PES-SOD) mixed-matrix membranes: Prospects for acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. [online]. 2015, vol.115, n.12, pp.1221-1228. ISSN 2411-9717.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/2015/v115n12a11.

This article presents the outcome of a preliminary investigation into the application of polyethersulphone (PES)-sodalite (SOD) mixed-matrix membranes for acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment. PES-SOD membranes loaded with different amounts of SOD particles were fabricated using the phase inversion method, and evaluated for AMD treatment. The morphology, phase purity, and surface properties of the SOD particles and the membrane were checked using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, respectively. In addition, the mechanical strength of the membranes was evaluated using a texture analyser. Separation performance (metal ion rejection) of the membranes and the effect of SOD loading on the membrane performance during AMD treatment were also studied. The cations in the AMD (feed stream) and the permeate stream were determined quantitatively using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The results of the investigation reveal that mechanical strength (Young's modulus and tensile strength) of the membrane was enhanced at increasing SOD loading. In addition, the membrane flux increased at increasing SOD loadings and the selectivity of the membrane towards Mn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Al³⁺, and Mg²⁺also increased. The highest membrane rejection of 57.44% was recorded for Pb²⁺, and the membrane displayed a rejection of 6% towards Mn²+. All the PES-SOD membranes displayed better performance compared to an equivalent unloaded PES membrane. As far as we know, this is the first report on the application of PES-SOD mixed-matrix membranes to AMD treatment. However, optimization of the synthesis protocol and operational conditions is needed to improve the performance of the membrane.

Keywords : mixed matrix membranes; polyether sulphone; acid mine drainage; sodalite.

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