Development and performance evaluation of PES‐SiO2 hybrid membranes for domestic wastewater treatment

Abstract BACKGROUND The escalating global water crisis underscores the urgent need for sustainable and efficient wastewater treatment technologies. This study investigates the use of nanosilica (SiO₂), extracted from rice husk—an abundant agricultural by‐product—as a functional additive in polyethersulfone (PES) membranes. Membranes containing varying nanosilica loadings (0, 1, 3, and 5 wt.%) were fabricated via phase inversion and assessed for permeability and pollutant removal efficiency. RESULTS Incorporation of nanosilica markedly improved membrane performance, with the 5 wt.% PES–SiO₂ membrane exhibiting a pure water flux of 576.65 L m −2 ·h at 0.8 bar, approximately six times higher than pristine PES (96.85 L m −2 ·h). Pollutant removal was also significantly enhanced, achieving 91% turbidity reduction, 71% color removal, and 58% COD reduction. SEM analysis confirmed that nanosilica addition increased porosity and macrovoid formation, thereby improving hydrophilicity, permeability, and adsorption properties. CONCLUSION Rice husk‐derived nanosilica provides a cost‐effective and sustainable strategy for advancing membrane technology. By simultaneously enhancing permeability and pollutant removal, this approach leverages agricultural waste valorization to deliver efficient wastewater treatment solutions aligned with global sustainability challenges. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).