Novel Nanocomposite Membranes for Water Filtration and Photocatalytic Degradation of Pesticides

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the University of South Africa have developed novel polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membranes by incorporating iron-doped cerium oxide-halloysite nanotubes (FC@NHT) nanocomposites. The properties of the prepared nanocomposite membranes were investigated using various techniques, including ATR-FTIR, XRD, TGA, and SEM. The results showed an increase in pore sizes and microvoids, resulting in improved hydrophilicity and flux. The membranes also demonstrated high antifouling properties towards humic acid and exhibited photocatalytic activity against imidacloprid insecticides.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers prepared novel PES ultrafiltration membranes by incorporating FC@NHT nanocomposites, which improved the membrane's hydrophilicity and flux.
  • The membranes showed an increase in pore sizes and microvoids, resulting in a 579% increase in pure water flux from 55.9 L.m-2.h-1 to 320.4 L.m-2.h-1.
  • The membranes exhibited high antifouling properties towards humic acid, making it difficult for hydrophobic contaminants to attach to the membrane surface.
  • The immobilization of FC onto the surface of HNTs provided homogenous dispersion of the nanoparticles and mitigated the issue of agglomeration.
  • The membrane's ability to function as a system for water filtration and degradation of imidacloprid pesticide with high antifouling propensity is its most intriguing aspect.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A-chemistry.

Statistics:

  • 579% increase in pure water flux from 55.9 L.m-2.h-1 (0% FC@NHT/PES) to 320.4 L.m-2.h-1 (2% FC@NHT/PES).
  • 79% photocatalytic activity of the modified membranes against imidacloprid in 120 mins.
  • 85.7% photocatalytic activity of the modified membranes against imidacloprid in 180 mins.

Sources:

  • "Novel Antifouling and Photocatalytic Immobilized Iron-doped Cerium Oxide@halloysite Nanotubes Decorated Polyethersulfone Membranes." Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A-chemistry, 2025;468.
  • VerticalNews, Nanotechnology Weekly, "Studies from University of South Africa in the Area of Photocatalytics Reported (Novel Antifouling and Photocatalytic Immobilized Iron-doped Cerium Oxide@halloysite Nanotubes Decorated Polyethersulfone Membranes)." November 3, 2025; p 4904.