Synthesis, characterization, and heavy-ion rejection rate efficiency of PVA/MWCNTs and Triton X-100/MWCNTs Buckypaper membranes

Buckypaper membranes were prepared through the dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the presence of surfactants (Triton X-100) and (PVA) in a separate manner. The dispersed solutions were vacuum filtered and Buckypapers, which are self-supporting membranes were obtained. The results revealed that the incorporation of both Triton X-100 and PVA surfactants increased the permeability and rejection efficiency of the MWCNTs. The rejection performance for the heavy metal ions of both membranes is investigated for the first time. The physico-chemical and morphological characteristics of the membranes were reported. PVA and Triton X-100 BP membranes displayed electrical conductivity (32.749 ± 2 S cm−1 and 58.3072 ± 1 S cm−1), contact angle (58 ± 3° and 34 ± 3°), water permeability (20 ± 2 Lm−2 h−1 bar−1 and 79 ± 4 Lm−2 h−1 bar−1), surface area (67.7 and 88.5 m2/g) and mechanical properties (Young's module was found to be 10.25 ± 0.2 and 6.07 ± 0.7) respectively. Both PVA/MWCNTs BP and Trix-100/MWCNTs BP membranes significantly reject Cu+2, Cd+2, Co+2, Ba+2, Ni+2, and Pb+2 at PH = 6–8 from aqueous medium. Furthermore, the rejection of metal ions was more efficient in PVA-based membranes compared to Trix-based membranes.