Influences of nano zero valent ion of kaolin and Fe2+ supported kaolin nanoparticles for metal ion separation thorough ultrafiltration

In this work, clay based nanocomposite material was synthesized by wet chemical route and nano zero valent ion of kaolin (nZVI:Kaolin) were prepared using sodium borohydride reduction method. The nZVI:Kaolin and Fe:Kaolin nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, FTIR and SEM and antimicrobial activity. The nZVI:Kaolin and Fe:Kaolin were incorporated into polyethersulfone (PES) membranes for metal ion separation through ultrafiltration. The influences of nZVI:Kaolin and Fe supported clay nanoparticles on PES membranes were characterized their modification in functional properties, hydrophilicity and morphological structure. The clean water flux was enhanced to PES membrane by addition of nZVI:Kaolin and Fe:Kaolin nanoparticles. The Cu (ii), Ni (ii) and Cd (ii) metal ions flux was increased for 0.15 wt% of nZVI and Fe:Kaolin nanoparticles in PES which is due to increase in hydrophilicity and change in morphological structure.