Chitosan/zeolite composite membranes for the elimination of trace metal ions in the evacuation permeability process

Abstract

Chitosan was combined with zeolites into composite membranes reinforced with glutaraldehyde crosslinking. The zeolite loading in the composite membranes was varied in the range 10–50 %, and the resulting membrane load­ing was varied at around 50 wt. %. The zeolite-loaded membranes showed better mechanical properties. The elimination of trace metal cations, Cr, As, Cd and Pb, by the chitosan–zeolite composite membranes was examined through the eva­cuation permeation process (EPP). In the permeability at each applied pressure, the selectivity of the composite membranes to the Cr ion was shown in the order of Cr > As > Cd > Pb at pH 5.5. It was noticed that the composite membrane with 20 wt. % zeolite loading showed the highest performance in the adsorption selectivity to the Cr cations. These results reveal the potential ability of the com­posite membrane to purify wastewater by removal of trace metal ions.