Preparation and characterization of polysulfone and polyethersulfone membranes for calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) separation by complexation ultrafiltration

Abstract

Asymmetric ultrafiltration membranes were synthesized from locally available polysulfone and polyethersulfone polymers using aprotic solvents and organic additives by the phase inversion method. The membranes were characterized in terms of pure water permeability, separation behavior with respect to polyethylene glycols of various molecular weights and electrolytes. The suitability of using polyethyleneimine (PEI) for selective removal of calcium and magnesium salts by an ultrafiltration process was studied in terms of optimum polymer loading at reasonable permeate flux, irreversible adsorptive fouling of the macromolecular ligand on the polymer as functions of solution pH and ionic strength, and metal ion separation as a function of concentration and pressure. Direct electron microscopic observation of fresh, as well as fouled, membranes are presented.